Some dogs live longer than others, and it’s not uncommon to see some of our pooches live into their teenage years.
The oldest dog ever was Bluey, an Australian Cattle Dog who lived an astounding 29 years and five months. She died in 1939, but over 80 years on is still the oldest dog ever verified.
She may have some competition, however, in the form of Gino. At 22 years old, he’s still got a few years to go to beat Bluey’s record, but the California-based pooch is officially the oldest living dog, per The Mirror.
A Zest for Life
Born on Sept. 24, 2000, the Guinness World Records officially named him their “oldest dog living”, after former oldest dog Pebbles died in October. Dog dad Alex Wolf adopted Gino from the Humane Society of Boulder Valley shelter in Colorado back in 2002. And, he’s lived with him ever since.
Alex was a sophomore at the University of Colorado Boulder when he adopted Gino, but is now 40 years old. He credits a healthy, balanced diet, a zest for life, and good veterinary care with allowing his pup to live to such a grand age.
“I give him all the credit,” he said. “He’s gotten a lot of love, and I think he’s just a strong dog. He’s been there every step of the way. I’m so glad we got him. He’s the best.”
At first, Gino lived with Alex and his roommates, Alex describing him as “one of the guys”. But after Alex decided to move back home with his parents, Gino adapted well to California.
“When he was younger, he used to love exploring my parents’ huge backyard with our other dogs in Manhattan Beach, going on walks off the leash in Venice, going on drives along the coast blasting music with his head out the window, or running around on the golf course in La Quinta,” said Alex.
Raising Awareness
Alex, who raises Gino alongside his partner Rebecca Grenell, has said that he’ll take advantage of Gino’s publicity to raise awareness of adoption and animal activism. After all, a dog is for life.
“You’ve got to be there for the long haul, no matter how long it is,” he said. “That’s the responsibility you take on — and it’s 1000% worth it.”
