Jerry Thibault believes his beagle, Minnie, may be 25 years old based on a veterinarian and county registration record stating the hound's birthdate is January 1, 1984. If so, Minnie may be one of the oldest dogs around. Friends of Jerry Thibault are sometimes surprised, he said, when they visit his home on Point LaBarbe Road in Moran Township and see that his 25-year-old beagle, Minnie, is still around the place. The dog belonged to his late father, and Mr. Thibault has both a veterinary record and a dog license registration showing the dog was born January 1, 1984.

The normal lifespan of a beagle, according to the Humane Society of the United States, is between 11 and 15 years.

Mr. Thibault inherited the dog from his father, who had adopted it when its original owner died. Some friends are surprised to see the same dog from years ago living at the house, and recall seeing her when they had visited his father or played with her when she was young, Mr. Thibault said.

Minnie resides in a heated doghouse just outside Mr. Thibault's home.