Spike, a Chihuahua from Preble County, Ohio (USA), celebrated his 24th birthday last Friday (November 10). Following Bobi’s passing, he officially became the oldest dog in the world.
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In December of last year, Spike was recognized as the world’s oldest dog by the Guinness World Records, but he was dethroned. “We didn’t feel bad when he was dethroned a year ago and another dog took the title,” said Joseph Kimball, Spike’s owner, to local news outlets.
However, Bobi passed away last month at the age of 31, so Guinness requested proof that Spike was still alive. His owner sent a photo of Spike next to a recent newspaper to show that he is still alive. Now, Spike once again holds the title.
Spike unexpectedly became part of the Kimball family in 2009 after a trip to the grocery store. “We walked out to the car, and he followed us and jumped in… it was meant to be,” said Spike’s owner, Rita Kimball, to News Center 7.
During his 24 years, Spike has been through a lot, including a near encounter with a coyote and an attack by a pitbull when he was 15 years old. Although his hearing and vision are not as sharp as they once were, he is still excited to be alive, according to his owners.
