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At 20 years old, Augie is the oldest golden retriever in history!
There are many accounts of 17 or 18-year-old goldens, and even a few stories about 19-year-old goldens, but Augie is the first golden retriever to ever reach the big two-oh.
In this article, we’ll dive into Augie’s story a little bit more, cover how old golden retrievers normally live to be, and talk about how you can help your golden live a long happy life.
Let’s go!
Meet Augie
On April 24, 2000, August (affectionately known as Augie) was born.
After being rehomed twice (due to no fault of her own), she eventually landed with Jennifer and Steve Hetterscheidt of Oakland, Tennessee, and it’s still unclear who the lucky ones are here.
Jennifer and Steve, who were active in their local golden retriever rescue organization when they got Augie, adopted her when she was 14 years old.
They figured that most people wouldn’t want such an elderly golden, but they had no idea of the upcoming journey they would be on with Augie.
They’ve taken her on RV trips all around the country, she’s got several canine and feline siblings, and she gets to play fetch in the pool.
On the other hand, Jennifer and Steve have been rewarded with over six years of love and loyalty from this wonderful (and now record-holding) golden.
The 20-Year-Old Golden Retriever
So how does a 20-year-old golden retriever celebrate her record-setting birthday?
With a dog-friendly carrot cake and some quality time with her golden retriever siblings, Sherman, Belle, and Bruce!
Her owner, Jennifer, says she’s surprisingly healthy.
She can still move around well (although she’s a bit shaky when she first gets up) and enjoys daily walks around the yard.
Since she was diagnosed with some kidney issues when she was 14, she now eats a mixture of wet and dry Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d, and takes some supplements for her kidneys and joints.
She also gets SQ fluids twice a week, which has helped her perk up quite a bit.
How Long Do Golden Retrievers Normally Live?
Augie is a very special girl, and she’s definitely not the norm.
Most golden retrievers live to about 10-12 years old.
Of course, many goldens live to 13, 14, or 15 years old, and, unfortunately, many live shorter than the average.
Now let’s talk about how to help your golden retriever live to that upper part of the spectrum.
5 Tips For Helping Your Golden Retriever Live A Long Life
Here are some tips to help your golden retriever live a long life like Augie.
1. Listen to your veterinarian.
This is probably the most important tip.
Your vet will know your dog, and have the best recommendations and action plan to keep them healthy.
This includes flea, tick, and heartworm medicines, food and exercise advice, and much more.
2. Listen to your dog.
When Oliver was a puppy, we spent countless hours researching what the best food for golden retriever puppies was.
Well, guess what?
After a few weeks of us feeding him the “best food for golden retriever puppies”, he stopped eating and became more lethargic.
We listened to what he was trying to tell us, we talked with our vet about it, and we decided to switch foods.
Right away he loved the new food, started eating more, and started getting his normal, crazy energy back.
Just because something is popular for many dogs, doesn’t necessarily mean that it’ll be good for your dog, so pay attention to them and how they’re feeling so you can work with your vet to keep them happy and healthy.
3. Feed your dog a quality dog food.
Yes, Walmart brand food may be cheaper at first, but you’ll probably end up paying more in vet bills down the road.
Not to mention, with a quality dog food, your dog will probably be happier and healthier for it.
Talk to your veterinarian, do your research, and feed your pup a quality food.
4. Groom your golden retriever regularly.
Keeping their nails, paws, coat, teeth, and ears clean will keep them looking their best, while also keeping them healthy.
Grooming them regularly can prevent ear infections, gum or teeth issues, or skin issues, which could all snowball into something worse if not taken care of.
5. Exercise your golden retriever regularly.
Most goldens are inclined to become obese, so regular exercise can prevent that, as well as keep their heart and muscles strong.
Even Augie gets regular exercise, and as Jennifer says, “Motion is lotion!” for those old bones.
How You Can Help Senior Golden Retrievers
One thing that amazes me is that Jennifer adopted Augie when she was 14 years old!
Most people don’t want to adopt an older golden retriever, fearing that their time here is limited, but that doesn’t mean these dogs can’t be wonderful companions for you.
Golden retriever puppies are tough, and there are many sweet senior goldens out there like Augie that need good, loving homes, so consider stepping up to the plate and adopting a golden, fostering goldens, or volunteering or donating to your local golden retriever rescue.
Below is a list of golden retriever rescues in every state, but also don’t forget to look at rescues in states nearby if you’re looking to rescue a golden.
Here’s a list of golden retriever rescues in every state.
Conclusion
Huge congratulations to Augie for being the world’s oldest golden retriever!
At 20 years old, she’s just about doubled the expected lifespan for golden retrievers and she’s still kicking.
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.
As Jennifer says, “We care for them as long as we have them, and love them forever.”
Do you have any questions about Augie, or about golden retriever lifespans?
Let us know in the comments below!
And please share this with your fellow golden retriever lovers!
P.S. If you liked this article, you’ll love our complete guide to golden retrievers.
Happy Birthday Augie! Your post made me so happy!
I’m the mother to a 13 year old Golden, Chauncey. He’s my 3rd Golden over the years and reading your post gives me hope that he’ll be around a while longer. I have to say that all 3 of my Goldens have been housebroken in 5 days and never an accident in the house. They’re so intelligent that it doesn’t take long for them to pick most anything, in fact more so than the humans in my house:).
I had the same experience with the high end “Golden” food when was a puppy. Goldens can be picky eaters and love their human food. We finally landed on Purina Pro Plan Grain Free with some “mix in’s”:) I have found that my Goldens never seem to do well with grains and I do avoid meds, if possible. He gets hemp joint chews and basic vaccines, nothing that isn’t necessary. My vet suggested CBD oil for his aging pains when necessary and that seems to do the trick. I apologize for the lengthy comment, but you know us Golden people:) Thank you again for the wonderful post!
I have 3 golden retrievers… 2 are brothers that are 10 yrs old and a white golden that just turned 3… thier the best dogs and they are treated like angels….thier gentle and very sweet…. always have something in thier mouth… toys … blankets… I love them
Omg, I have 3 goldens too, both boys are 10, brothers, and a white golden 3, best boys in the world, love to swim, always have stuff animals in the mouth, blankie,and toys
What supplements does she take for her kidneys and joints?
We have a 14 year old male Golden. What brand of dog food do you use?
We use Solid Gold … the ingredients are all natural and holistic. Our dog loves it . The one he eats is a dry kibble called Sundancer… I’m trying to find out what age is the best age to have him fixed ( if ever) to avoid cancer later in life . I was reading about the golden that lived to be 20 but the article didn’t say if he was intact or not . Good luck and enjoy your life with the best dogs on earth !
Hi,
even if with a little delay to AUGIE a very very HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I loved always those dogs even if I have not one. I am in Finland
A kiss to Augie
Michele
My Ginger is a Golden I rescued from an owner surrender when she was 18 months old. She will be 16 Oct 28, 2020. She had a medical issue which has now cleared up and she is back to hunting moles and rats. (aagghh!) but if that is what she wants to do, we don’t deny her. And guess what? She lives in Tennessee too! I love this breed. Happy Birthday Augie and many more. Long live the Goldens!
What a wonderful story! Happy Birthday to Augie! And kudos to Jennifer and family for taking such good care of her. This is so inspirational to all of us golden owners out there. Keep going Augie!
I wish she had her own page! I love her!❤️
I know!! I want to find out if Angie was fixed ( intact) or not . I want my boy to live to at least 20 too !!
I meant Augie….
Yes,my girlfriends golden retriever and my cats were very good friends..And my little pool dog too.
This is such an awesome story. When my son was 4/5yrs old (He’s25 now) his grandma got him a golden retriever and she stayed with his grandmother. Unfortunately his grandma became ill back in 2012 and we were unable to keep “Goldie”. I had to turn her over to a rescue and I truly hope that she ended up with a wonderful family that took care of her. She was such a sweet dog. Happy Birthday Augie!!
We rescued our Sammy (formerly known as Rambler) from G.R.I.N. in 2009…he is now 15 years old. He’s a great joy, even during his stumbling years, and he definitely still has a mind of his own. Preparing for his time, reading the story on Augie gives us hope for several more years. God Bless all goldens…they’re the best.
Happy Doggie Birthday, Augie!!!!
WE LOVE YOU AUGIE
Hi! I just saw this on Twitter, me and Augie were born the same day 20 years ago! I just think this is the coolest thing that I share a birthday with a record holding doggo!
That’s awesome!!!
Happy 20th Birthday, Augie! 🎉💖🎂💕👍🎁 xx
Happy Birthday Angie!!🐾🐶💜😊
Kia ora from New Zealand I have Illy who is 18yrs old and would like to wish Augie a very Happy Birthday.💛💚💜
Congratulations to beautiful Augie.
Twenty years is really amazing and stil going strong. What a beauty.
And very nice that the owners took her in at the age of 14. A true heart for animals.
We wish you many more years together.
And a paw from our dog Happy for Augie
Happy Birthday Augie❤️👊🦮🌞🦴
HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🎊🎈🎉🎂🎁 🦴 🍖 🐶 AUGIE❣️❣️❣️🤗❤️😸
I am going to get a Golden Retriever soon. I love Augie’s story!!I would like to know what to feed my dog, how much and how often.
Hey Carrie, congratulations! Check out this article: https://goldenhearts.co/golden-retriever-puppy-food/
Feed them the best food that you can afford. Make sure they get lots of excercise, as the article said, they put on weight fast. Mine tend to get a little heavy in the winter, especially when there is a lot of snow. If my vet tells me to give them 4 cups a day, I usually give them 3 and suppliment with green beans, broccoli, carrots. Try to keep the human food to a minimum. Brush them often, check their ears, they are prone to infections. Get them used to getting their teeth brushed at an early age and brush often. Give them a lot of love and you’ll get it back multiplied by infinity. Good luck!
Happy Birthday sweetheart❣️ Praying for painless days and a heart full of love💕🐾💕🐾💕
Congratulations Augie!! And family :). She was so lucky you adopted her. I can’t imagine her first families just getting rid of her. Augie you are beautiful! Have a great birthday. I have Goldens that live to 13, 14, 15, and 16. Altho I am thrilled with their ages it is such a heartache when they go because they really are part of the family. I just adore Goldens! From puppy hood to adult hood they are the best dogs ever!
Al the way from the Netherland
CONCRATULATIONS 20 yaers
Keep goin 👍🙌🐕🐕🐕🐕
Saludos feliz cumpleaños
Amazing Story. Augie is one special dog for sure. Goldens are such wonderful loyal dogs. My first Barney lived to 16 and my current one Molly is 8. Congrats to Augie on her 20th Birthday. Hope she celebrates many more.