A four-pound Toy Fox Terrier who was named the oldest living dog this year has sadly passed away.
Pebbles, who was just five months short of her 23rd birthday, “peacefully passed away from natural causes at her home in Taylors, South Carolina, with her owners Bobby and Julie Gregory by her side”, according to Guinness World Records.
The long-living dog rose to fame following reports of an adorable Chihuahua TobyKeith from Florida who had previously been named as a record holder.
But the owners of Pebbles, Bobby and Julie Gregory, realising their pet was a few months older, contacted Guinness World Records with their claim.
Having dug out evidence, Guinness World Records agreed and quickly amended the entry. TobyKeith entered the world on January 9, 2001 but Pebbles was born on March 28, 2000.
“Bobby was sitting on the couch, and friends and family started texting and calling about a story they saw about a 21-year-old dog getting the record,” Julie told Guinness World Records at the time. “When I saw TobyKeith's story all over the news, I applied.”
Pebbles’ life was certainly extraordinary since Toy Fox Terriers have an average lifespan of 13 to 14 years. She had a love of country music and would sleep until 5pm.
She was also really well cared for. She celebrated his 22nd birthday with a bubble bath and meal of ribs, although her normal meals include cat food because they are said to be higher in meat-based proteins rather than dog food!
According to Guinness World Records, Pebbles had 32 children across three litters with her late partner, Rocky. Sadly, Rocky, died in 2017 at the age of 16.
