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20-Year-Old Dog Celebrates Birthday, Is Now Believed to Be Oldest Golden Retriever in History

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A 20-Year-Old Golden Retriever is laying on a deck with a birthday banner, celebrating its birthday.

A golden retriever named August celebrated a very special birthday this year: She turned 20 and is now believed to be the oldest golden retriever alive ever.

While her actual birthday was back in April, it was just revealed she surpassed that milestone. (Goldens typically live for 10 to 12 years.)

“She had a dog-friendly carrot cake, the interior of the house was completely decorated,” Jennifer Hetterscheidt of Oakland, Tenn. told CNN. “She got all her favorite foods like blueberries, bread and pasta, of course, in moderation.”

Related: Everything You Need to Throw Your Dog the Best Birthday Party Ever

Image via Goldheart Golden Retriever Rescue

The Hetterscheidts rescued August, affectionally known as Augie, when she was 14 from the Golden Retriever Rescue Southern Nevada, after being returned twice.

“She’s just darling. There’s nothing to not love about her,” Hetterscheidt told the outlet. “She’s happy doing something and happy doing nothing.”

As Augie got older, the Hetterscheidts started doing research to see if she was the oldest dog to live. While an Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey holds the official Guinness World Record at age 29, the family believes Augie is the oldest Golden to be living.

“When she hit 19, I came across Goldheart Golden Retriever Rescue, and on their FAQ, it said one golden retriever had just passed away, just under the age of 20,” Hetterscheidts told AOL.

After doing “internet searches for months trying to find an older golden retriever,” the Hetterscheidts reached back out to the rescue.

Related: How Acupuncture Can Provided Much-Needed Relief for Senior Dogs

“Now we have the oldest golden retriever, because she’s over 20 years old,'” Hetterscheidt said.

The GoldHeart Golden Retrievers Rescue in Maryland shared the news on Facebook, writing that Augie is the “oldest known, oldest living Golden Retriever!”

Image via Goldheart Golden Retriever Rescue

When she isn’t making news, Augie enjoys walking around yard with her family, or hanging out with her four-legged siblings, three Goldens, ranging in ages from seven to 10, and a cat.

For the Hetterscheidt, they are already planning her 21st birthday.

Related: Why a Senior Dog May Be Absolutely Perfect for You

By Andrea Huspeni

Andrea Huspeni is the founder and CEO of This Dog's Life. Her mission it to help dogs live a happier, healthier and longer life. When she isn't working, she spends time with her two dogs, Lola and Milo. She resides in Brooklyn, NY.

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