World’s Oldest Dog Was Adopted from a Shelter

Max and I would like to pay tribute to Chanel, the world’s oldest dog, who passed away last weekend. The long-lived, wire-haired dachshund was 21 years old—147 in people years! According to AP reports, she celebrated her last birthday with a party at a dog hotel and spa, so we know she was treated well and very much loved—as it should be.

Chanel’s Sweet Story

When she was only six weeks old, tiny Chanel was adopted from a shelter in Newport News, VA by Denice Shaughnessy, who was in the army at the time. Thank you, Denice! Her new army life enabled Chanel to spend nine years in Germany, and we figure she already knew the language.

Official Status!

Chanel’s dad Karl Shaughnessy discovered the Guinness Book of Records had no entry for the World’s Oldest Dog, so he nominated her, and she was presented with a certificate as the World’s Oldest Dog this past May.

We’re grateful to Chanel for setting the pet life-expectancy bar so high, and we’d also like to express our sincere gratitude to Denice and Karl Shaughnessy, who gave Chanel the chance to love and be loved—and to live the very long, happy life she might never have had.  A very big Pet Power salute to all of you, from Mittens and Max!