CAMDEN — The oldest living dog according to Guinness World Records is a 22-year-old Fox Terrier in South Carolina, but a Preble County dog may have that record beat.
On May 17, Guinness certified the dog “Pebbles” was born March 28, 2000 but “Spike” from Preble County may have that record beat by 139 days.
The Kimballs have always preferred country life.
They’ve lived in the outskirts of Camden for the last 24 years — Spike, the chihuahua, is the “protector” of the farm.
“As he’s gotten older, he is more testy. He is not as patient sometimes and you know, I guess I wouldn’t be either at that age,” Rita Kimball said.
In 2009, Spike unexpectedly became a part of the family after a trip to the grocery store.
“We went out to the car and he followed us and he jumped right in... it was meant to be,” Rita said.
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Rita said she wasn’t sure how old Spike was so she took him to the vet.
The vet told them Spike was born on November 10, 1999.
Which would make Spike almost 23 years old; in human years that’s around 124 years old.
While his hearing and eyesight aren’t as good, he still has a pep in his step — and has been through a lot.
Including almost becoming a snack for a coyote and at the age of 15 being attacked by a pitbull.
Alas, he lived to tell the tale.
“Every day is kind of a gift for him and his age, so we kind of look at it that way,” Rita said.
Now, Spike is demanding some recognition.
Rita is applying to break the Guinness World Record for “Oldest Living Dog.”
Standard applications can take up to 12 weeks to be reviewed.
If verified Spike will be the new record holder for the “Oldest Living Dog” before he turns 23.
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