Happy 20th Birthday Heidi!

It's comforting to know that so many Dachshunds live to such a ripe old age.  In the last few years, we've met 'Chanel,' a 21-year-old New York Dachshund mix who claimed a Guinness record for World's Oldest Dog.  We also met 'Otto,' a 20-year-old Shropshire, England, Dachshund mix who also claimed a Guinness record.  Then there was 'Paco Sosa Fetes,' a red smooth who celebrated his 20th birthday, and earned the title of New York's Oldest Dog. 

Now we meet 'Heidi,' a beautiful red smooth who hails just south of St. Louis, Missouri, who celebrated her 20th birthday on January 12th.  Happy Birthday Heidi!  Via STL Today:

Twenty years ago, Greg Navarro was looking for a dog.

He picked a cute little dachshund puppy and named her Heidi.

"I got her when she was six weeks old," said Navarro, a South County resident.

But she isn't the lively young pup she used to be.

"She has to warm up, like a car," Greg Navarro said. "But once she gets up she can move around."

She sleeps 18 hours a day, her coat has gone gray and she can't handle steps anymore, but Heidi still loves one thing.

"Food," Cathy Navarro said. "She's a great eater. If we didn't limit what she ate, she'd always eat more."

Last year, when Heidi turned 19, Cathy Navarro contacted the Guinness Book of World Records to see where her dachshund stood.
"They told me to contact them when she turned 20," Cathy Navarro said. "So last week I e-mailed them and submitted her information."
Wherever she ranks, the Navarro's are just glad to have her.
"Every day with Heidi is a blessing," Cathy Navarro said.

Read all about Heidi at STL Today.