Golden Retriever Celebrates Her 20th Birthday And Becoming The Oldest Golden Retriever Ever
In Oakland, Tennessee, resides a canine named August, affectionately known as Auggie, who shares a home with Steve and Jennifer Hetterscheidt. This Golden Retriever was adopted six years ago from The GoldHeart Golden Retrievers Rescue, a nonprofit organization situated in Chester, Maryland, specializing in the rescue of golden retrievers.
The volunteers at GoldHeart are deeply committed to rescuing Golden and golden-mixed retrievers who are unwanted, abused, neglected, or displaced, and then placing them in approved forever homes. Their tireless efforts on behalf of dogs have been ongoing since 1999.
Auggie’s journey led her through two previous homes (without any fault on her part, as confirmed by GoldHeart) before finding a loving family with the Hetterscheidts. Ever since, she’s been relishing her days, and recently, she marked a truly remarkable occasion: her 20th birthday.
What makes this milestone particularly significant? Auggie’s birthday makes her the oldest known Golden Retriever in history!
Auggie was born on April 24, 2000.
At 14 years old, it seemed unlikely that Auggie would find a permanent home. The typical lifespan for most golden retrievers is around 10-12 years, and not many people are eager to adopt a dog only to witness their passing. However, Auggie defied the odds, not only embracing her senior years but also demonstrating that she had plenty of life left to enjoy!
Joined by her human companions and fellow canine siblings Sherman, Belle, and Bruce, Auggie’s birthday was elevated with a grand banner and a tantalizing carrot cake.
The rescue organization showcased her special day on both Facebook and their blog, sharing the joy with their community.
Jennifer, Auggie’s caretaker, expressed that, despite her advanced age, Auggie is remarkably healthy. She navigates her surroundings with minimal difficulty, occasionally experiencing a slight tremor upon standing, and she continues to revel in daily yard strolls.
“She has minimal problems moving around, with a little bit of shaking when first getting up, and enjoys daily walks in the yard.”
GoldHeart’s blog post underscored the uniqueness of Auggie’s accomplishment: “While there are numerous accounts of 17 or 18-year-old golden retrievers, and a handful of stories about 19-year-olds, Augie is the first golden retriever to reach the magnificent age of twenty.”
Jennifer disclosed that Auggie’s diet consists of a combination of wet and dry food, along with supplements to manage kidney issues diagnosed when she was adopted at the age of 14.
Happy 20th Birthday, Auggie – a celebration truly deserved!
GoldHeart’s Facebook page buzzed with well-wishes from devoted fans, expressing their birthday greetings to Auggie.
As of now, Auggie’s Birthday Post has garnered an astounding 13,000+ comments and has been shared over 28,000 times!
Golden Retrievers typically live between 10 and 12 years, with some living up to 17 years. GoldHeart Golden Retrievers Rescue imparts invaluable advice for ensuring your furry companion enjoys a long and healthy life:
1. Listen to your veterinarian, as they will know your dog and will be able to give the best recommendations and plan actions to keep them healthy.
2. Listen to your dog. They communicate even without communicating—if you see them react negatively to food or certain activities, then change it up.
3. Feed your dog a quality dog food, as better food will ensure better health, a better mood for your dog, and you’ll avoid most of the vet bills that you’ll be otherwise saving for with poorer quality chow.
4. Groom your golden retriever regularly, as it will keep them looking their best and keep them healthy as it prevents things like ear infections, gum and teeth or even skin issues.
5. Lastly, exercise your golden retriever regularly to keep their heart and muscle strong.
This advice is truly invaluable.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to GoldHeart and the Hetterscheidt family for their dedication and care.
