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    We all wish that our furry friends could stay with us forever. Sadly, most of us have had to deal with saying goodbye to a beloved pet. The animals on this list tried to bend time and keep pawing across Earth for as long as possible. Some have managed to surpass the human life span. None of them have proved to be immortal yet, but their longevity is something we can learn from. 

    12. MATILDA

    Age: 16 

    Location: Alabama

    The Details: Matilda did a lot in her impressive 16-year life. After her owners paid $10 for her, they trained the hen to be a magician's assistant. Matilda took quickly to the tricks and became famous for them, even appearing on "The Tonight Show." Earning the title of World's Oldest Chicken was just a cherry on top of a successful life. (Tuscaloosa News)

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    11. JOHNNY SENIOR

    Age: 30

    Location: Yorkshire Wildlife Park

    The Details: Johnny Senior came from a tiny enclosure at a Romanian zoo to the expansive Wildlife Park in his senior years. Even in his old age, Johnny Senior confidently lead his 12-lion pride until his death in June, serving as a perfect role model for his son, Johnny Junior. (BBC News)

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    10. BLUEY

    Age: 29

    Location: Victoria, Australia 

    The Details: Bluey, who lived from 1910-1939, still impresses modern-day dog owners. That's because this Australian Sheepdog lived 129 dog years and still hasn't been beat. The secret to his success was supposedly a diet of emus and kangaroos. (Reader's Digest)

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    9. BAO BAO

    Age: 34

    Location: Berlin Zoo

    The Details: Animal lovers everywhere let out a dejected "aw" this year when news of Bao Bao's death spread. The beautiful bear was given as a gift from China to Germany, and spent some time in London trying to woo a female named Ming Ming. Even with the record for the longest-living male panda, Bao Bao left us too soon. 

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    8. CREME PUFF

    Age: 38 

    Location: Texas

    The Details: Creme Puff was raised in a house known for long-living felines. Before C.P. took the title of Oldest Cat, his roommate, Grandpa Rex Allen, was the oldest feline around. Both felines were raised by Jake Perry. The man obviously has a gift.

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    7. DEBBY

    Age: 42

    Location: Winnipeg Zoo

    The Details: Saved from the arctic as an orphaned cub, Debby spent her life making people happy. She was a favorite at the zoo, and gave the facility six adorable cubs during her stay. While Debby passed in 2008, her kids are sure to keep the cute coming. (Reuters)

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    6. GOLDIE

    Age: 45

    Location: Devon, England

    The Details: Goldie found owners like many fishies, by being won as a prize at the fair. Back in the 1960s, the Evans family earned the fish and kept him alive for several decades, passing Goldie down to new family members. At the end, Goldie didn't live up to his name, losing most of his color from the previous 45 years. (Mirror)

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    5. DOLLY

    Age: 62 

    Location: Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden

    The Details: Dolly outlived her life expectancy by two decades, shocking staff. Speaking of zookeepers, the hippo lived at the zoo longer than any staff member had worked there. Dolly was pretty much in charge of the park. 

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    4. GREGOIRE

    Age: 66

    Location: Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center

    The Details: The day the world lost Gergoire in 2008, they also lost a conservation icon. The chimp was looked upon as a symbol against the human mistreatment of primates. For 40 years, Gregoire lived in a barren cage in an African zoo. He was eventually rescued and cared for by the Jane Goodall Institute for the rest of his years. (Discovery)

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    3. COOKIE

    Age: 79

    Location: Brookfield Zoo

    The Details: Cookie celebrated his 79th birthday this summer and also his reign as the oldest Major's Mitchell Cockatoo. Over his years at the zoo, Cookie has gained plenty of fans. The group calls themselves "Cookie's Groupies" and often send him toys and fan mail. (NBC Chicago)

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    2. LIN WANG

    Age: 82

    Location: Taipei Zoo

    The Details: Affectionally known as "Grandpa Lin," this elephant did a lot of living. During his time on Earth, Lin Wang served as a supply carrier during World War II and even was taken prisoner. After the wild life of war became too much, Lin Wang retired to the Taipei Zoo to enjoy the rest of his years. (Guinness World Records)

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    1. ADWAITA

    Age: 250 

    Location: Alipore Zoo

    The Details: Too bad Adwaita couldn't speak, because we are sure he would have plenty to say about our world's history. The tortoise was the pet of British general Robert Clive, living on his sprawling estate before being donated to the zoo. While the animal's age isn't certain, records show that Adwaita was probably on Earth for longer than two centuries. (BBC)