Pebbles, the Toy Fox Terrier who held the record for the oldest dog living, has sadly passed away.
Pebbles passed away on Monday from natural causes at her home in Taylors of South Carolina in the USA with her owners Bobby and Julie Gregory by her side.
A story announcing the death of Pebbles was published on the Guinness World Record website.
The tiny terrier was five months away from her 23rd birthday.
Pebbles was born on 28 March 2000 in Long Island, NY, USA, and took the world by storm when news of her age made headlines.
After the former oldest dog living, Toby Keith was recognized, the Gregorys realized that Pebbles was actually older than him and could therefore break the record.
"Bobby was sitting on the couch and friends and family started texting and calling about a story they saw about a 21-year-old dog getting the record," said Julie.
"When I saw Toby Keith’s story all over the news, I applied."
Pebbles lived a long and happy life.
Her paw-rents originally hoped to adopt a large breed dog when they first set their eyes on the pocket-sized pup.
Pebbles quickly became the queen of the household and birthed 32 puppies across three different litters with her late partner, Rocky (also a Toy Fox Terrier) who passed away in 2017 at the age of 16.
"She spent her days enjoying country music and being loved," Julie Gregory wrote in a press release.
In 2012, Pebbles' veterinarian placed her on a cat food diet, which is higher in meat-based protein than dog food.
Occasionally, like for her 22nd birthday celebration, the Gregory family would allow Pebbles to indulge in treats like a stack of ribs.
Julie says the secret to her pup’s longevity was showering her with plenty of love and attention.
Pebbles will be remembered for her appreciation of country music and her love for summertime and, of course, for being a world record holder.
"She was a once-in-a-lifetime companion, and it was our honour to have had the blessing to have had her as a pet, and family member," wrote Julie.
