A 22-year-old dog named Pebbles’ secrets to longevity include plenty of sleep, quality food, and lots and plenty of love. Maybe there’s something to learn from the 4-pound Toy Fox Terrier, who was just verified by Guinness World Records as the “oldest dog surviving.” And, despite being rather old in dog years, she appears to have lots of time ahead of her.
Pebbles lives with her people, Bobby and Julie Gregory, in Taylors, South Carolina. When the Gregorys were looking for a new dog for their family in 2000, they considered choosing a larger breed; but, as Bobby glanced about, he observed the little pup following him, racing beside her cage every time he passed by. “It was immediate love the moment the two met,” Julie adds. “Pebbles has been with us through it all; ups and downs, good and bad times, and she has always been the light of our life.”
Despite having shared many major life experiences, Pebbles’ family was surprised to learn that she was the oldest living dog. The former record holder was also taken aback. Guinness World Records just declared TobyKeith, a Chihuahua from Florida, the oldest living dog at 21 years old. Friends and relatives of the Gregorys instantly thought of Pebbles when this record was revealed, knowing she was likely older. “Bobby was sitting on the couch when friends and relatives began texting and calling about a story they saw about a 21-year-old dog breaking the record,” Julie explains. That’s when she applied for the Pebbles record.
Pebbles has had a rich existence over the last 22 years. She and her late “husband,” another Toy Fox Terrier named Rocky, produced 24 puppies in three litters. She now prefers to stay up late at night and then sleep until five o’clock in the day. She also appreciates listening to her favorite country musicians’ silky vocals. “She likes to listen to country music when she sleeps,” Julie explains. “Conway Twitty and Dwight Yoakam are her two favorite vocalists.”
Pebbles has mood swings, although she is normally a cuddly pooch. In the summer, she enjoys warm showers, cuddling beneath blankets, and sunbathing on the steps of the family’s pool. She enjoys fine cuisine as well—her family surprised her with a stack of ribs on her record-breaking 22nd birthday. That was a very special event, though—her food is generally customized to her physical demands at this age, which helps keep her healthy. But getting enough sleep and eating right aren’t the sole secrets to Pebbles’ longevity. Julie highlights the necessity of providing “a pleasant, good atmosphere as much as possible” for your dogs and treating them “like family, because they are.”
The Gregorys are overjoyed that Pebbles has been acknowledged as the record holder. “We love her more than anything,” Julie says, “so having her time to shine is incredibly important.”
Guinness World Records has dubbed Pebbles, a 22-year-old Toy Fox Terrier, the “oldest dog living.”
She lives with her owners, the Gregory family, in Taylors, South Carolina, and loves to sleep, snuggle, and listen to country music.
Her record came just weeks after that of a 21-year-old Chihuahua from Florida. When that one was announced, friends and relatives began calling the Gregorys right away, knowing Pebbles was likely older.
The Gregorys confess that they are honored that Pebbles has been recognized as the record holder. “We honestly adore her beyond everything else, so for her to have this moment to shine is truly priceless,” Julie Gregory adds.
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h/t: [People]
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