My "puppy" turned 16 today!
I've had him since he was 5 months old and I still think of him as my "puppy." Other than the dog I grew up with, I've adopted older dogs, but a vet tech who worked for my vet was helping to foster him - he was a "pet shop rescue" who couldn't be sold because he had a health issue - a hernia which was repaired when he was neutered - and it sure never slowed him down!
Previously, I've adopted cocker spaniels, since I grew up with one, as did my Dad, but my other dog at the time was a Brussels Griffon who I adopted at age 9 because his owner had died, and the vet tech knew him, so when she encountered this Brussels Griffon puppy, she immediately thought of me. And though I know puppies can be tough, he was so cute and engaging that I couldn't resist - and I've never regretted it for a minute. I knew I was the one who could give him a good home - and older dogs can be tough too, since you know you won't have them as long - though two of my dogs have lived past 18.
His name is Jack and *knock on wood*, his health is fine - except for a chronic ear issue that flares up now and again. And he's a smaller dog, so I'm hoping that he still has a lot of good years ahead. 
And he hates going out when there's snow on the ground, so I'm hoping that this is almost over - at least for the season. Other than that, he's very good natured, friendly to everybody and puts up with the cat who I adopted 7 years ago when I found him as a kitten in a supermarket parking lot.
Anyway, I wanted to share him here in honor of his birthday - he's my best buddy and is snoozing next to me as I type this. He's had extra treats today, too, and some roast beef with his dinner. 
Jack as a puppy (my favorite pic):
Napping:
With his first and best friend:
Sleepy:
He hates having his pic taken, so this was a rare pic:
Recent pic, leaving the groomer, he was too excited to be going home, so he didn't turn away:
= new reply since forum marked as read
(From Jack...) 
Such a distinguished fellow.
Thx for sharing Jack with us! 
I shared my other Brussels Griffon back in the day, but I wasn't sure if I've shared much about Jack before - so I figured this was the time, since he's only going to turn 16 once! It's hard for me to believe since he's my puppy! 
What is he like? What does he play with?
Since he'd pick up up by the ears, shake it and send it across the room. Lately he's been sleeping a lot more, but then so have I! He also used to do zoomies outside, but these days I often have to pick him up to take him out since it's not all that pleasant out there. It's supposed to be Spring, but the "high" temperature for the day was 37-degrees - and I just took him out and there's snow on the ground! When I left at about 6pm there was snow in the air, but just now it must have started up again and it stuck!
Since Jack is "short," he hates walking in the snow, always has, so when he was a puppy I tried getting doggy boots for him, but they didn't fit and were more trouble than they were worth, so we just try to make it quick. He needs a space cleared for him, but he's not a fan of that, either, since he's surrounded by snow "walls." I also have a sweater for him, but I've learned that the best way to deal with winter is just to make the trips outside quick. He's not a fan of rain, either...
So much for "Spring" in the Adirondacks! But we did get extra treats when we came inside, Jack, not me... 
And they call Brussels Griffons "velcro dogs," since they just want to be with you. My other BG was like that, took him everywhere, but Jack wants to visit everybody and he will bark if he wants something so most of his "visits" are to the vet or the groomer (they love him both places) or a very good friend who also loves dogs...
Brrrrr! I'm with you & Jack. This is enough of the cold weather. 
I've never known a BG, so ty for sharing about this great breed.
Awwwww he sounds like such a sweetie! And he sure is adorable!
I've only seen one other in real life. I knew that my vet had another BG patient and once when I was leaving (with my other BG), the lady with her dog was arrivig just as we were leaving and we both stopped and spoke since she'd never seen another Brussels Griffon in real life, either! 
The answer I usually give is to refer people to the movie "As Good as It Gets" with Jack Nicholson. The dog in that movie was a Brussels Griffon and it was pretty popular, both Nicholson and Helen Hunt won Oscars for it - but the real star was the dog (Verdell).
One of my all-time fav movies!
I don't think I've ever seen a BG in person.
I'll bet you were 
when you saw each others' pups!
Dziękuję Ci drogi Przyjacielu!
And he's a very good boy tonight, just went outside and there's snow on the ground - not much, but it's snowed since I came home and it stuck! So much for "Spring" in the Adirondacks. And tomorrow isn't supposed to be much better. Maybe by May...
And yes, Jack is almost always a good pup - I don't know what I'd do without him!
She even celebrated a 17th birthday. I always celebrated her birthday with a mini party. Why are animals so cute when they are sleeping?
Of course, that was mainly true when Jack was much younger. He's always been friendly and engaging, but when he was younger he'd get into things, these days he's more like the "velcro dog" that Brussels Griffons are known for.
And kudos that your dog celebrated age 17 - my Cairn Terrier who I adopted at age 6 was 18 1/2 since I knew his exact birthday. And my cocker spaniel who I adopted at age 10 or 11 - didn't know his exact birthday - I had for 8 years, so he was at least 18. But then I also adopted two dogs who had seizures - one was inexplicably given up because of it and the other (both cocker spaniels) also had an owner who died. I'm just grateful that Jack is healthy.
LOVE the sprawled-out "napping" picture! 
That's the way to do it!
Happy birthday to him!
Jack has always been a prolific napper - unless there's something going on and then he's right in the middle of it - though he sleeps more now that he's gotten older, or maybe it's because I do...
I'm counting on it. Two of my dogs have lived past 18, one may have been 19, though I adopted him at age 10 or 11 from rescue so I didn't know his exact age. But since I've had Jack since he was a puppy and he's always had good health care, I'm hopeful...
I'm counting on it. Two of my dogs have lived past 18, one may have been 19, though I adopted him at age 10 or 11 from rescue so I didn't know his exact age. But since I've had Jack since he was a puppy and he's always had good health care, I'm hopeful...
You can tell him that I said so. 
I bet you give him a great life, Rhiannon. But don't spoil him with birthday cake!
Sniffs from Chief Inspector Murphy.
How cute! Sweet Jack.
Happy Birthday, little guy!
These little lives that are entrusted to us - so, so precious and individual.
I totally bonded with my other Brussels Griffon who I adopted at age 9 after his owner had died. I wasn't looking for another dog when Jack was offered to me - and puppies are hard - but I lost my other dog in 2007 and I am grateful every day that Jack found me...