Pebbles, the oldest dog in the world, has died. He was five months away from his 23rd birthday.
The 22-year-old toy fox terrier from South Carolina recently died of natural causes, the dog’s owners announced.
“He was a unique partner in life and it was an honor for us to be blessed to have him as a pet and family member,” the statement read.
Pebbles died five months before his 23rd birthday, the family said, according to The Guardian.
The oldest dog in the world
Pebbles was recognized as the world’s oldest dog by Guinness World Records in May after owners Bobby and Julie Gregory realized their pet was older than the previous oldest dog, a Chihuahua 21 year old named TobyKeith.
“Bobby was sitting on the sofa and friends and family started texting and calling about a news story they had seen about a 21-year-old dog who had achieved the record,” Julie Gregory told Guinness World Records at the time Records.
“When I saw TobyKeith’s story all over the news, I applied.”
What did Pebbles get for his last birthday?
Pebbles was born on March 28, 2000 and was adopted by the Gregorys that same year. The couple were looking for a large breed dog, but, Julie Gregory said, “she was jumping and barking at Bobby so much that he had no choice but to pick her up. It was instant love the moment the two met.”
Pebbles liked to listen to country music, the Gregorys said, preferring Conway Twitty and Dwight Yoakam. Pebbles also loved trying new foods and being pampered.
Together with her partner Rocky, who died in 2016, she gave birth to 32 puppies.
For her last birthday, the family gave Pebbles a bubble bath and a plate of ribs.
“There was never anyone who didn’t love Pebbles. We will miss him a lot,” the family said.