Source: NJ.com, September 18, 2009
According to Guinness World Records, the world’s oldest living dog a 21-year-old dachshund named Chanel passed away on August 28, but many have disputed her standing, claiming that their dogs surpassed that age mark.
One dog who could have claim to that title is a 25-year-old Pitman Chihuahua named Cujo (that’s 175 in dog years) whose owner, Edna Freeling brings him everyday to her supplement shop, The Health Garden, in Pitman.
“Customers have told me time and time again that I should enter him into the record books, but the problem is that I do not have his papers since he was adopted from a shelter,” said Freeling. “Therefore, I couldn’t really prove his age. However, the vet and shelter were able to give me an age range when I got him and he’s been here at the shop with me ever since.”
Cujo, who used to be brown, is now almost entirely white. He only has one tooth and is slightly jittery, but is in otherwise good health.
“I’ve always cooked a lot for him ground meat, brown rice, fresh vegetables,” said Freeling. “Broccoli is actually one of his favorites. And I never take him to the vet, he was only there when I first adopted him. He hasn’t had shots in all the years I’ve had him and he’s never been a sickly dog.”
Owning a vitamin and natural food store, Freeling said she knows which supplements to give him, like glucosamine and chondroitin for his arthritis. She even once concocted her own homeopathic potion to get rid of a rash on his head. And most importantly, she said, “I spoil him. He goes everywhere with me.”
Freeling said she doesn’t believe in running to the doctor herself for every ailment, preferring acupuncture and vitamins, so she carries the same approach to her pet.
“I actually had a dog growing up, a mutt that looked like a shih-tzu, that lived to be 21 and only died when it was hit by a car,” said Freeling. “That dog never went to the vet either.”
Cujo, who has a special bed behind the counter, used to greet guests in his younger years but now prefers to relax with his owner. He won’t, however, protest to the affectionate pats and kind words offered by customers young and old.
“He’s as good as a dog can be and always has been,” said Freeling. “All my customers just adore him and people always come in asking for him.”
According to Associated Press reports, a dog from New Iberia, La., named Max, is vying for the record with his owner claiming he has just marked his 26th birthday, but his documents are still under review.
Even if she had the necessary paperwork, Freeling said she didn’t know if she’d care to get Cujo involved.
“All that doesn’t really matter to me,” said Freeling. “I’m just glad to still have him here.”
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