As far as birthdays go, August’s 20th celebration was fairly standard.
After the pandemic cancelled her 100-guest party, she recently gathered with her siblings, indulged in a few special treats, and enjoyed some time in the Tennessee sunshine.
One notable detail? August – or, as her friends call her, Augie – is a dog. Reaching the big 2-0 makes her the oldest known living Golden Retriever.
"She had a dog-friendly carrot cake, the interior of the house was completely decorated," proud mama Jennifer Hetterscheidt told CNN. "She got all her favorite foods like blueberries, bread, and pasta – of course, in moderation."
Augie has been a beloved member of the Hetterscheidt family for the past six years. She was adopted at the already-advanced age of 14 after being rehomed twice – which her forever family finds hard to understand.
"She's just darling. There's nothing to not love about her," said Hetterscheidt. "She's happy doing something and happy doing nothing."
Twenty years is an impressive accomplishment for any breed. However, there is a wide range of “normal” when it comes to dog lifespans, says Dr. Lauren Jones, a veterinarian in the Philadelphia area.
“Toy and small breed dogs live much longer than their large and giant breed counterparts,” says Jones. “For example, Great Danes do not commonly live to see their 10th birthdays, but it’s not uncommon to see 16-year-old Jack Russell Terriers or Chihuahuas.”
Golden Retrievers typically live between 10-12 years, says Jones. But even within breeds, lifespans can vary significantly.
"While we don’t know why some dogs dramatically exceed their lifespan averages, it’s important to remember that with any average, there are outliers," says Jones.
Healthy habits can play a large role in improving the quality and length of a dog’s life.
"The best way to help your dog live their fullest and healthiest life is to feed a balanced diet, maintain a healthy body weight, and follow your veterinarian’s recommendations about regular preventive care,” says Jones.
As for Augie, she continues to enjoy good health well into her golden years, reports her family. Plans are already underway for her 21st birthday celebration.