Celebrating August: Tennessee’s 20-Year-Old Golden Retriever Sets a New Record
Augie, the world’s most senior golden retriever, marked her 20th birthday recently – a remarkable feat considering that most golden retrievers typically live to be around 10 to 12 years old. Her owners, Jennifer and Steve Hetterscheidt, affectionately refer to her as Augie. On April 24, Augie celebrated her big day with a special cake and the company of her fluffy buddies.
Since the age of 14, Augie has been a beloved member of the Hetterscheidt family in Oakland, Tennessee. Thanks to their loving care, she has beaten the odds and doubled the typical lifespan of a golden retriever.
VIPup, the most senior golden retriever in the world, is joyfully commemorating her 20th year of existence.
Happy birthday to Augie! August, affectionately known as Augie by her owners Jennifer and Steve Hetterscheidt, celebrated her 20th birthday on the 24th of April.
Impressive! Augie has been a part of the couple’s family in Oakland, Tennessee since she was 14, and with their love and care, she has surpassed the average lifespan of most dogs of her breed. According to Goldheart Golden Retrievers Rescue in Tennessee, while some golden retrievers may live to be 17 or 18, Augie is a true anomaly.
For her birthday, Augie enjoyed a dog-friendly carrot cake and played with the couple’s other furry companions, Sherman, Belle, and Bruce. Despite her advanced age and a slight wobble in her step, she still looks forward to her daily walks.
Augie receives SQ fluids twice weekly, takes supplements, and follows a diet of a combination of wet and dry Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d, which she started after experiencing kidney issues at age 14.
What a great celebration! She enjoyed her birthday with a special carrot cake that was safe for dogs to eat. She also had a fun time playing with Sherman, Belle, and Bruce, the other furry members of the family.
Still kicking: Despite her advanced years and occasional unsteadiness, the couple insists that she continues to relish her daily strolls.
Long-lasting love story: Born in 2000, Augie went through two rehoming experiences before finally finding her forever home with the Hetterscheidts at the age of 14. The shelter had doubts about finding a new home for an elderly golden like Augie, but little did they know the amazing journey that was ahead for both Augie and her new family.
Living with several other dogs and cats, the Hetterscheidts have taken Augie on RV trips across the country, creating lasting memories together. Augie’s remarkable longevity is thanks to both her great genetics and the exceptional care provided by her owner, Jennifer. The rescue staff commended Jennifer for her dedication to Augie’s well-being and close relationship with the vet.
As Jennifer puts it, they cherish and care for their pets for as long as they have them, showing unwavering love and commitment.
In 2016, the world mourned the loss of Maggie the Kelpie, an Australian dog believed to be the oldest at 30 years old. The news came as a shock, as Maggie was seen just the week before walking around the farm, showing her feisty personality by growling at the cats. This news was a reminder of another Australian dog, Bluey, who held the title of the oldest dog ever according to Guinness World Records North America. Bluey, a beloved Australian cattle-dog from Victoria, lived to the impressive age of 29 years and five months before passing away in 1939 under the care of his owner Les Hall.
