Golden retriever becomes oldest living, rescue says. See the adorable birthday photos

August, a golden retriever in Tennessee, just turned 20 years old and a local rescue says it’s quite the milestone — they believe she’s now the breed’s oldest living dog.

Typically, golden retrievers live between 10 and 12 years, according to GoldHearts Golden Retrievers Rescue, and it’s not unheard of for some to reach 17 or 18 years old.

Nineteen is rare, the rescue says, but 20? That puts August — better known as Augie — in a class all her own.

“At 20 years old, she’s just about doubled the expected lifespan for golden retrievers and she’s still kicking,” the rescue said. “She’s lived so long largely because she’s got great genetics, but also her owner, Jennifer, has done a great job of taking care of her and ensuring that they have a good relationship with Augie’s vet.”

She was born on April 24, 2000, and re-homed twice before she was adopted by Jennifer and Steve Hetterscheidt in Oakland when she was 14 years old, the rescue said in a June news release.

Often, people aren’t open to adopting older dogs, the rescue said, but the Hetterscheidts believe everyone deserves love.

“We care for them as long as we have them, and love them forever,” Jennifer Hetterscheidt said, according to the rescue.

Since then, Augie has traveled across the country in an RV and gotten furry siblings.

Augie celebrated the big 2-0 with a canine-friendly carrot cake and a party with three other golden retriever siblings, the rescue said.

Her owners say she’s still a healthy lady who enjoys daily walks around the yard. Due to some kidney issues first diagnosed when she was 14, Augie follows a special diet and takes supplements to help her joints and kidneys, the rescue said.

To help your golden retriever live a long life like Augie, the rescue recommends listening to your veterinarian, staying in-tune with your golden retriever, feeding your furry friend quality food, grooming it regularly and making sure it gets plenty of exercise.

This story was originally published June 23, 2020 at 6:27 AM with the headline "Golden retriever becomes oldest living, rescue says. See the adorable birthday photos."