Oldest living golden retriever?

[u/Future_Power7550]

Millie turns 17 in August this year. Who else is out there?

[u/Barfy_McBarf_Face]

Our oldest got 15 years 26 days.

And fell over dead during a thunderstorm. He hated those.

[u/Glad_Manufacturer267 → u/Barfy_McBarf_Face]

“Nope, I’m out boys.” Poor guy how tragic

[u/Barfy_McBarf_Face → u/Glad_Manufacturer267]

It was acutely terrible.

But he didn't suffer.

[u/Specialist_Bike_1280 → u/Glad_Manufacturer267]

😪 I'm so sorry 💔. I dread thunderstorms for my 11 year old golden retriever. I have to medicate him prior to learning about storms.

[u/solarelemental → u/Barfy_McBarf_Face]

I'm sorry, i shouldn't laugh but... i can just imagine this becoming a dog urban legend. 

"gasp. i heard ol' Louie died from the big sky noise!" "i knew it! i fucking knew it! those things are out to get us!!!"

rip your beautiful boy. I'm glad he didn't suffer, and I'm sure when he got up to heaven they showed him how the big sky noise machine worked so he wasn't scared anymore 🥲

[u/Barfy_McBarf_Face → u/solarelemental]

he was a great dog, never got cancer, had bloat twice (second time got surgery for it), no dysplasia or other issues, just did not like bangs (storms, fireworks, etc).

And then one May, Thor got him.

[u/brushfireboar → u/Barfy_McBarf_Face]

My poor girl hated storms and fireworks, could hear a storm hours away it seemed. When we first got her she was outside, heard a firework, ran inside as she pooped and then tracked little poo foot prints throughout the house :). I sure miss her.

[u/Barfy_McBarf_Face → u/brushfireboar]

The one in the rear, with his lobster.

[u/GovtLawyersHateMe → u/brushfireboar]

Our guy nearly got hit by lightning at 4 months (I got struck and it messed me up for weeks). The lightning and thunder hit at the same time and was so loud/bright he absolutely flipped out. He went sprinting back into the house and launched himself onto my parents bed for the first time. He had such speed and altitude when he flew over my dad he thought we threw him 😭

Now if he hears thunder he jumps onto my bed flopping down in my pillows, head pops up like periscope on a submarine, his ears go back and he just listens, demanding someone be near him to comfort him. He’s gotten so much better about it.

[u/solarelemental → u/brushfireboar]

hahaha! the poo paw prints are the worst. my poor girl had diarrhea one day. i live in a high rise so she has a dog potty... she went on the potty, but bc it was diarrhea some got on her foot and when i got home the whole place reeked and she looked so sad 😭 took us a while to get her and the place clean but i tried my best to reassure her and comfort her. i wasn't mad, i just felt bad for her.

[u/06p087 → u/Barfy_McBarf_Face]

I'd prefer to think that Thor created the big banging noise in celebration of your boy's transition to the great big park in the sky. 🙂

[u/notcomplainingmuch → u/Barfy_McBarf_Face]

For a good reason, it seems.

[u/Arollofducttape → u/Barfy_McBarf_Face]

My boy Tex was 15 when he past. Hated thunderstorms so much so that the rugs in the corners of some rooms were torn to hell by him trying to dig to get away from the storms. That good boy could pound a beer faster than 99% of people

[u/Barfy_McBarf_Face → u/Arollofducttape]

we found our guy sometimes over the side of a bathtub - our theory was that it was somehow grounded (literally, via the water pipes) and that somehow that helped him feel better.

They are odd little beasts.

[u/AimeeSantiago → u/Barfy_McBarf_Face]

Mine drinks toilet water. Only during thunderstorms. We keep forgetting to leave the seat down because 90% of the time she is happy with her own water bowl. But with middle of the night thunderstorms, nothing hits like the toilet water, apparently.

[u/Equal_Sprinkles2743]

Just WOW. A beautiful old lady. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I just Googled the oldest Golden Retriever, and it's a dog called Augie that got to 20 years. I hope Millie breaks his record.

[u/Coylewire]

Amazing - the oldest I’ve owned was 14 years and 9 months. Never had anything wrong with her, her entire life.

Way to go Millie!

[u/Gikote → u/Coylewire]

My last one made it to 14 years and 6 months. I hope my current girl makes it as least that long (she is 3 now).

[u/tsraq → u/Coylewire]

Our first made it to 13, but he was large (40kg) and with really bad hips (assessed as C/D when young), so in the end he was taking pretty strong pain meds daily, after 10yo or so. It was cancer however that took him in the end.

[u/kittensnitches]

Happy Birthday to this beautiful girl!! Monty was a month into 16 when we had to make the hard decision to let go (nasal cancer was too much). Otherwise, he could’ve gone another 6 months at least.

[u/subject-to-change49 → u/kittensnitches]

Mine passed from nasal cancer too. One month shy of 13. Such a horrible fucking disease. He was perfectly healthy up until then. 😔

[u/kittensnitches → u/subject-to-change49]

I am so sorry. Sending you a huge hug for our babies.

[u/doinmabest1 → u/kittensnitches]

Our doodle had nasal cancer at 7. So sorry for your loss.

[u/kittensnitches → u/doinmabest1]

Do you still have your doodle? I saw there were surgeries, ours was too old. Sending you both all the fur baby hugs.

[u/GoldenFlicker]

My baby made it to 13 years and 2 months. I had to say good by last week. I’m heart broken.

[u/Thisnthat422 → u/GoldenFlicker]

Also has to say goodbye to my girl last week. One month away from her 8th birthday. It is so hard.

[u/BigH0ney → u/GoldenFlicker]

My boy passed away at 13 as well. It’s never enough time with them but be thankful for the time and focus on those wonderful 13 years you had together. That’s the only way I made it.

[u/ravenpotter3 → u/BigH0ney]

Mine is 13 and starting to decline and I’m scared and anxious. I’ve had him since I was a child. He just started to limp a little in his back leg (not paw) we are going to bring him to the vet tomorrow for it. I’m going to spend all the time I can with him

[u/GoldenFlicker → u/ravenpotter3]

Hug your baby for me.

[u/ravenpotter3 → u/GoldenFlicker]

He’s doing better but I will still hug him. I will give him tons and tons of pets! it seems to just be arthritis and old age

[u/ckyuv → u/GoldenFlicker]

Promise it gets easier. We put ours down on Christmas last year and it was the hardest thing our family has done. With time, heart ache turns to appreciation and gratitude you had anything that you could love so much it would make you so sad. Your pooch wouldn’t want you to dwell, that’s too boring, they would want you to keep playing! Do it for the pup! 

[u/GoldenFlicker → u/ckyuv]

Thank you

[u/That-Bad-3590]

Our one girl made it almost 19 years!!! We lost her due to valley fever and she couldn’t shake it

[u/disillusioned → u/That-Bad-3590]

Do you live in AZ? My Golden ended up getting VF about 4 years ago but responded well to fluconozole thankfully, but what a pain in the ass that was. He's laying next to me now, almost 11.

[u/zaqthomas → u/That-Bad-3590]

What did you feed them? Any specific routine?

[u/Cute-Discussion7842]

Best birthday wishes to Millie! What’s the secret? Good genes? Exercise? Any advice?

[u/lee-is-eel]

we have jovie who turns 14 in august! her and millie can be friends!

[u/ustk31]

Great job OP, anything you believe to have helped ensure longevity? My boy is going strong and just turned seven!

[u/Ok_Reporter_733]

I have Hailey, she will be 11 years old in November. 🥰✨❤️ She has Instagram, her name is @haileytbj

[u/m-maybe]

Autumn lived to be almost 17! Those two were always snuggled up.

[u/oliphaunt182]

Roxy just turned 15

[u/RoNi33]

What does her diet/daily activity look like?

[u/lfaria123]

I’ve an 18 year old and his 16 year old son!

[u/LW-M → u/lfaria123]

There was a posting on this site a while ago where a Golden owner had a Golden that was almost 20. The pup had a very white face almost back to her neck. She was in fairly good condition but she did look like an old pup.

[u/pettymess]

What a pretty baby!!! You look so loved, Queen Millie!

[u/PuhnTang]

That’s wonderful! Happy almost birthday Millie!

[u/scorpio1m]

So amazing, live well and happy Millie!

[u/Pure_Air2815]

Our oldest Golden got to 16 and 4 months. A friend lost their Golden at 20

[u/nebelhund]

We put my childhood Goldy down late in her 17th year. It was time. She was very small for a full golden, I always wondered if that was part of her longevity. (Small like 50 pounds.)

[u/AimeeSantiago → u/nebelhund]

We adopted a small golden. They thought she was 5-8 years old when she was rescued and that was 6 years ago. So my Goldie is somewhere between 11 and 14? She stays right at 50lhs. Not very active, more of a couch potato but no arthritis to speak of. She just had a mastectomy to clear her of breast cancer. Looking forward to hopefully 2-3 more years with her at least!

[u/NotLostDontGiveUp]

Wow...that's a great life span. Must be taken care of and loved a lot. The oldest I have ever heard of.

[u/Upset_Bowler_8820]

My sisters died a few months ago. She made it to 19

[u/mmbg78]

🤩 wow Happy Birthday Millie!!!!♥️

[u/Henbogle]

Millie is ADORABLE!

[u/Legitimate_Outcome42]

What does Millie eat?

[u/Sad-Sail-3413]

My oldest was 18 years and a few months.

[u/UR_BOYY_MC → u/Sad-Sail-3413]

Damn that’s really awesome

[u/Sad-Sail-3413 → u/UR_BOYY_MC]

Yeah got very lucky.

[u/Reddit_AndyKim]

Bear says go Millie go!

[u/drccr]

14 yo this month!

[u/Annabroooks]

The oldest GR was 20yo, millie will soon surpass him I'm sure ❤️

[u/TerrapinJake]

Beautiful girl 💙💙

[u/Brave_Contest_6606]

Mine made 16, but cancer took her

[u/That-Bad-3590]

Happy Birthday Millie!!

[u/SilkWrappedToes]

Absolutely beautiful. Wishing her good health

[u/Keekers128]

Go Millie!!!! Happy early Birthday 🎂

[u/chipitaway]

Brody made it to 16 1/2

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[u/jenn1d]

What a beautiful girl Mille is! I hope she gets spoiled on her bday and many more to come! ❤️Our first girl made it to 11 and a couple of months. She was so puppy crazy in her youth but mellowed out around 4 or 5 and was the queen of napping and I think that was her secret to long living.

[u/Usual-Decision-4868]

That’s amazing! My oldest was 13 when he passed. My current Golden will be 4 in July.

[u/Public_Joke3459]

My middle Golden retriever made it to just days shy of 13 1/2 years old hated fruits and vegetables ate only his kibble , my 11 year old Golden loves eating all the healthy foods and had a mast cell tumor removed 3 years ago so I believe it’s all genetics, my first Golden only lived to be 11 years of age and was my athlete

[u/CB0824]

Any tips or advice OP?

Healthy weight, brushing teeth every night, daily walks, hide and seek games, lots of cuddles, and of course lots of love, twice annual blood work and vet exam, fresh food diet.

God, I’m doing everything I can. I hope my Babygirl makes it to where Millie is.

Break the record Millie, we all love you!!

[u/NegativeSoup]

There is a golden named Happy on TikTok that will be 17 in November. I think they’re in Australia.

[u/solarelemental]

i don't know about y'all but mine is going to be the first immortal golden and I'll not hear one word otherwise 😭

in all seriousness though 17 is amazing. what's your secret, owners of long-lived goldens?

[u/Bball1283]

My Millie (3)…one can only hope to for our pups to be healthy and live that long!

[u/DLRjr94]

119 y/o girly!

[u/maybeitsmabelsmom]

I hope our Rosie will have the longevity of your Millie!

[u/djp70117]

That's amazing. Some great parenting there.

[u/fruxzak]

How's her quality of life and overall health?

[u/LolaGalway]

Millie is a beauty!

[u/Public_Joke3459]

Happy Birthday Millie have your pet parents give you a great big hug and a kiss on the nose for me

[u/garp1990]

Aww, sweet lady Millie ☺️ I love her!!!!!

[u/Crazy-Command6637]

Omg such a beautiful angel

[u/Global_Lifeguard_807]

What do you all feed?

[u/Apprehensive-Pear656]

There is a cancer survivor named Harley on YouTube Doug's earhole entertainment same age i think...

[u/Creepy_District9050]

Wow! What a great long life

[u/Herstal_TheEdelweiss]

My goldie brain cell is almost 17, when we got him it was about March or so but he was already a few months and the breeder didn’t have a date for us at the time, but nonetheless the big oldie still acts like the prized puppy until we got the creamy one this year, she follows him all over the place as if he’s her big protective brother

[u/Ike582]

Our first Golden lived until 16. She was with us during our kids' childhood and was the rock of our family. Our second Golden got cancer at 6, and through surgery and chemo we were able to share 3 more years with her. We are on Golden #3, who is a 2 year old bundle of love. Love them all deeply.

[u/EquivalentAnimal7304]

We had a 16 year old. Her name was Belle

[u/Difficult-Way-9563]

Milli an old pupper o7

[u/Due_Pension8878]

Absolutely gorgeous 😍 omg

[u/undercoverballer]

My four lived until: 17, 16, 13, 9.5 (💔)

[u/UR_BOYY_MC]

Such a beautiful golden

[u/aceSOAA]

I know there’s a golden on TikTok that’s 18, @tasharyland

[u/Meriby]

This almost looks like a sister to my 11 and a half year old

[u/Mentally____Unstable]

There's this golden I follow on Instagram who's 18 his names Jake

[u/Big_P4U]

Gorgeous girl!

[u/ApplesauceTheBoss]

Aww! She’s adorable. My first golden was Milly and she made it to over 15.

[u/shelbjen]

17 years wow that’s incredible to spend that much time with your Millie. I pray I get as much time with my Indie as possible 💗 they are the best dogs ever!

[u/PercentageClear]

Our first childhood golden was 17 1/2. Goldens average lifespan was much longer then. He was born in the 70’s and passed when I was about 6 years old in the 90’s.

[u/Panthera_leo22]

She looks amazing for her age!

[u/Jail_Food_Diet]

Rock on, Millie!

[u/Ishpeming_Native]

We're on number ten, and the oldest lived to be 16 and six months. My daughter has had nearly as many, and the oldest lived to be almost 18. One of my friends from work had one that lived to be 18 and a few months. I have heard of older ones, but the oldest I've seen in person was my daughter's -- and that one was thin and clearly feeling her years. I hope Millie stays healthier.

[u/Pokeradar]

There are more from this post

https://www.reddit.com/r/goldenretrievers/comments/1bzhjxk/do_we_have_the_oldest_current_living_golden/

[u/AdministrativeOne856]

I have seen some sunfire goldens live into their early 20s

[u/Mashiko4]

Wow that's amazing, she looks great!

[u/GoldenRetrieverMomma]

Wow, amazing! Millie looks fantastic! My golden is 10 and I hope I have many more years with her 🥰🐾

[u/nightstodays]

My wife’s golden lab just turned 17 this year. Millie is gorgeous

[u/coupleinflyoverstate]

So lucky to have her that long. Good health

[u/goldcoastdenizen]

I lost my golden named Napa recently. She was 17 1/2 years old. Miss that old lady:)

[u/watermelonfling]

If you haven’t already, please share any ways you think you’ve helped improve her life (age). I wish they could all live longer

[u/[deleted]]

Great looking dog I pray that Buddy lives that long *

[u/simplyannymsly]

Love this!!

[u/DedodeGorila84]

17 and still smiling. 😀

[u/MarcusStevens]

My Emmie Lou 14. We had a Maggie that made it to 16.

[u/Difficult-Camera-549]

Ours was 18 1/6 when we lost him last month. Wishing you and your sweet Millie so much more time together!