New York's oldest dog Paco recently celebrated his 20th birthday. Photo: Bernadine Santistevan
Paco Sosa, a brown-haired dachshund living in New York City, celebrated his 20th birthday on September 5. With the passing of Chanel, a 21-year-old dachshund-mix living in Port Jefferson Station, New York -- known as the World's Oldest Dog -- last month, Paco now takes NYC's crown for most elderly canine.
Paco lives in Manhattan with his owner and human companion Bernadine Santistevan, a filmmaker and venture capitalist. Originally from New Mexico, Santistevan has had Paco since she first spotted him as an eight-month old pup looking scared and lonely in an Albuquerque pet store.
"He was in a cage and he just looked so sad," Santistevan tells Paw Nation. "He had his head up on his paws and he was blinking his big eyes. I went to play with him, but he was so terrified that he wouldn't even move. All he would do was crawl on his stomach and cry. It just broke my heart and I wanted to take him away and take care of him."
The little dachshund has thrived under Santistevan's care, developing a taste for organic chicken, fish and fruit. When Santistevan moved to New York City, she made sure to get a first floor apartment with a backyard -- no easy feat in Manhattan -- so Paco would have a place to play. Except for patches of white around his muzzle and chest, the dachshund, who is 140 years old in human years, has still retained most of his youthful, brown coloring.
So what is Paco's secret?
"It's partly genetics and partly his owner who is really in tune with his needs," says Dr. Talia Goldberg of Park East Animal Hospital, where Paco has been a client since 1990. Since developing arthritis a couple of years ago, he gets weekly massages at the Animal Medical Center and acupuncture treatments with certified veterinary acupuncturist Dr. Jeffrey Levy. "It's definitely improved Paco's quality of life," Dr. Levy tells Paw Nation.
The little dachshund also likes his exercise. "Paco still walks for 30 minutes a day," says Dr. Goldberg. "For a 20 year-old arthritic dog, that's amazing!" And he doesn't just walk. "I see him coming down the hallway for his appointments and he really struts his stuff," laughs Dr. Goldberg.
Three months ago, Santistevan got a scare when Paco suddenly suffered a seizure.
She rushed him to the Animal Medical Center where they told her the situation was grave. "They said, 'you're going to need to say goodbye to your pet,'" recalls Santistevan. "But the next morning -- I don't know how -- he was okay."
The near-death encounter prompted Santistevan to take Paco on a two-week trip to New Mexico to meet with Native American healers and gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of animals in humans' lives. The experience has been made into a film called "The Way of the Wolf," out in October.
"He's been my teacher," Santistevan says of her dog. "He's taught me responsibility, love, the importance of dignity and being present, and patience."
Dr. Goldberg also sees something special in Paco. "He's amazing," the veterinarian says. "He has a fighter in him. He overcomes everything and it takes a special dog to go through what he's been through."
On Paco's 20th birthday, Santistevan spent a quiet day with Paco doing one of his favorite activities -- taking a leisurely stroll through Central Park. "I don't know how much longer he's going to be with me, but every day is a blessing," says Santistevan. It's also a celebration.
"His birthday bash is this weekend," says Santistevan, who is planning a party complete with a mariachi band, flamenco dancer and a special salmon cake for Paco. His new girlfriend, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise mix named Roxy Jones will also be there. "She's 19 years his junior, but she doesn't seem to mind. Nor does Paco," laughs Santistevan. Seems Paco is a bit of a ladies man!
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this is such an awsome story! We have a doxie and she is our world also! they are a great breed of dog. Wtg Paco and ur owner!
thats just wonderful she is so cute, my dog was 22 when she died.bless you for taking such good care of her
What a wonderful story and Happy Birthday Paco Sosa. My little Terrier/Poodle mix Maria made it to 18 years old she passed away almost 2 years ago.
THANKYOU FOR TAKING SUCH GREAT CARE OF YOUR FRIEND. HE IS SOOOOO LOVEABLE.
Marc Mine was a Rescue from the pound and made it 18 years too. RIP Oscar.
I had him cremated and got the ashes. I plan on having his ashes mixed with mine.
our sammy the dachshund lived to be over 19 yrs old and passed away last summer - he truly was our special gift and his ashes are in our kitchen where we smile at him everyday with gratitude and love.
We had a dog for 19 years before we had to put her down. She was very special and we still miss her. I thought she was going to end up being the oldest dog alive.
Most Dachys are long lived. I've had 4 of them (well, 1 was actually my mother's). Mom's lived to 15, 2 of mine till 17 and I currently have a 12 year old long haired. 1 of the 17 yr. olds drowned when she fell in our pool. Their the greatest dogs. If you get depressed borrow somebody's dachshund, set it down on the ground with something to eat up ahead and let it go. It's hysterical to watch them run, espically from behind and the long haired is the funniest. Everything bounces and waddles to a different rhythm. I'll always have one.
You can tell you are a real doxie lover. Me too. Am 62 and had them since I was 12. Have 2 now. One is a rescue and the best thing I could have ever done. Think of rescue puppies and older when you are ready for more. You won't be diappointed. I went to Coast to Coast Doxie rescue.
My dachshund Jake is 17 years old and going strong. I think he'll be the next oldest dog!
If Chanel lived in Port Jefferson Station, NY, her death would not change the identity of the oldest dog in New York City. Port Jefferson Station is not in New York City.
GREAT STORY LOVE THE DOG !!!
I have a schnauzer Captain River.We bought him from a pet store when he was 6 months. He will be 15 years on Nov. 1st. He is such a special dog and is a part of my family. We recently took him for a check up and the vet said he is very healthy for his age except for some pain he is having from arthritis in his hips. A chew every other day takes care of that. I dred the day he leaves us so everyday is a blessing he is here!
I have a black Lab. mix he will be 15 on November the 5th. He has some grey on his mussle and feet. He is a wonderful dog. He used to jump our fence. We got an invisible fence so he doesn't jump any more. I believe he still could given the chance. We go for daily walks also. I can't imagine him not being here. Dogs are so special and loving to their people family.
It is quite funny that that dog and I are exactly the same age, 20 years on September 5th. what a riot!
Apparently the doxies are the winners for living forever!
My dog is a pound mutt....part border collie and she is now 19 1/2
years old and still going strong. I do watch her diet however, because of her age and feel her puppy food as its easier for older dogs to digest. She takes a long walk every night and is still playful and a sweetheart to be around.
Fritz is my 3rd Dokie. The other 2 lived to be 16 and 17. All 3 were named Fritz. He is 19 yrs. old. He looks just like Paco. He still eats like a Glut; his hearing is almost gone, his sight is still sharp, still chases the Rabbits and Birds and is a Great Watch Dog.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY PACO SOSA"
Dogs are wonderful. Happy Birthday Paco. I have a White Sheppard. Tequila Rose is 15 years. I thank God for everyday , we have. It is a true blessing..... :)
The New standard according to the Dog Bible which is the closet we can get goes like this- 1st year- 15 yrs. old - 2nd yr. 24- every year after that is 4 yrs. So this dog is actually 96yrs, old.