Gretel the Mastiff Doesn't Like Walks

For most dogs 'walkies' is a magic word that produces manic excitement, but not for Gretel the Mastiff.

Ever since she was a puppy the now eight-year-old has turned her nose up at four paws, much preferring to get around courtesy of three wheels.

She and her owner Alvin Miechel, 75, are a regular sight around their home town of Melbourne, Australia.

With Alvin valiantly peddling away, pampered pooch Gretel enjoys a lofty view of her surroundings from the back of his tricycle.

And in recent years Gretel's dislike of walking has been compounded by the fact that she suffers from arthritis.

However, with the massive Mastiff now weighing in at a hefty 164 lbs ferrying her around is not the easy job it once was for Alvin, who weighs just 105 lbs..

In fact, whenever the duo come to a hill Gretel now has no choice but to get off and walk as Alvin's legs simply can't peddle her to the top.

"When she was a puppy it was easy and we went for really long rides," said Alvin.

"She has never liked to walk and the trike is like a car for us. But I'm a bit older now and it's hard lugging her around."