Some people have the perception that growing old mostly involves withering away in front of the telly, barely able to move due to aching bones but ageing does not necessarily mean you can't still find new stimulating activities to do.
After retiring, many pensioners take up new hobbies to keep themselves preoccupied with their newly found freedom, which can often stem back to childhood passions if they're fortunate to be fit enough to still do such as painting, woodwork or badminton.
However, one old chocolate Labrador is here to remind us that it's not just humans who can develop new interests as they age, the Mirror reports. Connie, an adorable brown lab has captured the hearts of thousands of social media users after she began to pass her days people watching outside of her owner's home in Brighton.
The sweet elderly dog has started spending so much of her time engaging in her favourite past time that her owner decided to put up a sign beside her to encourage more by passers to pay her some desired attention. One of the signs above her bed reads: "Free Cuddles: I'm old and arthritic, but still have lots of love to share," while another says: "I'm very old and lame, but love affection".
Resident Becky Albon, who recently spotted Connie during a walk, said: "When I saw her I just thought that it was such a sweet idea and it really brightened my day to get to cuddle her! A few other people stopped to cuddle her after we did."
When sharing Connie's picture on a Dogspotting group on Facebook, Becky added: "Just went for a walk and met lovely Connie waiting on her doorstep for free cuddles." Her post racked in 14,000 likes and almost 800 comments from dog lovers who couldn't help but share their thoughts on the precious photos.
One user said: "What a lovely idea, Connie’s mum, along with Connie, are providing excellent 'therapy' to anyone who wants or needs it!" While another user added: "I love Connie! I wish I could meet her and give cuddles back.
"Senior doggos are wonderful. Well, on that note all doggos are awesome regardless of age. New mission in life: Find Connie and give snuggles."
A third user said: "Can you please give her a really long hug from me? And lots of tummy rubs and kisses too, if it's not too much trouble."
One more user added: "I would make it my full time job, seven days a week, to cuddle the sweet Connie." A fifth user said: "Connie you are my spirit dog. I'd like to do this when I'm old and arthritic, too."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .
READ NEXT:
- Dogs Trust issues advice to dog owners ahead of firework season
- Drunk driver caused takeaway terror after smashing 4x4 into Scots restaurant
- Young Scots chef dies suddenly as family pay tribute to ‘one in a million’ lad
