We all wish our furry friends could live long enough to be the oldest dogs in the world. For Gisela Shore from Florida, that dream recently became a reality. Her rescue Chihuahua named TobyKeith won the Guinness World Record for “oldest living dog.”
He may not be the oldest dog ever, who was a 29-year-old Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey, but this is still a huge milestone. Most people don’t know the exact age of their rescue dogs, so even if they were the oldest dogs alive, they may not get recognized for it. Thus, TobyKeith is proud of his special title!
A Long, Fulfilling Life
TobyKeith was born on January 9th, 2001, so he is 21 years and four months old. He has been with Shore for almost his whole life because she adopted him from Peggy Adams Animal Rescue when he was a tiny puppy. At the time, his name was Peanut Butter, but Shore thought TobyKeith was more fitting.
“I was a volunteer at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue and one of the employees told me about an elderly couple trying to surrender a puppy because they could not take care of him any longer,” Shore said.
When Shore adopted TobyKeith, she never expected to spend over two decades with him. She said she started wondering if he was the oldest living dog when he reached 20 years old. She knew most Chihuahuas lived between 12 and 18 years old. So, she submitted TobyKeith’s information to Guinness World Records, and they confirmed that he’s the oldest living dog known.
Shore was overjoyed when she heard the news. To celebrate, she gave TobyKeith a spa day, took him for a car ride, and gave him a special treat. The two have always shared a close bond, and TobyKeith follows his mom everywhere.
He’s Not Slowing Down!
Many people comment on how good TobyKeith looks for his age. He still goes on several short walks throughout the day but also sets aside plenty of time to snuggle with his mom. He has a heart condition, but luckily, it doesn’t get in the way too much.
TobyKeith has several pet siblings, including two dogs and two parrots. His mom has also fostered for Peggy Adams Animal Rescue over the past 20 years, so there have been over 150 foster dogs in their home since she adopted TobyKeith.
“The thought that my little guy has reached such a milestone is fantastic! I am thrilled,” said Shore.
TobyKeith will continue to live his best life for as long as he can. He won’t let his age hold him back, and it’s amazing that he has gotten to spend so many years in a loving home.
H/T: guinnessworldrecords.com
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via Whisker Therapy