CAMDEN, OH — Meet the newest dog in town: the oldest living dog, Spike a record breaking Chihuahua mix in Ohio.  

Spike was born in November 1999 and received the title of oldest living dog on Dec. 7, 2022 at 23-years-old. He was welcomed into Rita Kimball's family in 2009. 

Kimball found him alone in the parking lot near a grocery store. She checked to see if his previous owners may be inside, but he had been abandoned. Kimball knew she could not leave him behind. 

“Spike jumped right in and sat on the seat, as if he knew where we were going," said Kimball. "It was meant to be."

The family feels complete with Spike who continues to be an important member. Spike spends his time helping and visiting the animals on the Kimball’s farm.

Nowadays, he is hard of hearing, almost blind and prefers being around with people most familiar to him.

Kimball realized Spike might be a record holder after watching Jimmy Fallon and seeing a photo of Pebbles, a 22-year-old former record olding pup.

The previous record holder for oldest dog living was Gino Wolf at 22 years and 52 days in Los Angeles, CA who was recognized on Nov. 15, 2022.

“I believe he is still here because, after having such a terrible life at first, he makes the best of every day and now sees his rewards in his later years,” said Kimball.

To read more about Spike and his record-breaking, click here.