A 22-year-old rescue puppy is recognized as the oldest dog on Earth.

Gino, who lives in Colorado with its owner Alex Wolff, 40, was awarded the impressive Guinness World Records title earlier this month.

The lucky dog ​​was born in 2000 and was later rescued by Alex, then a university student in Californiain 2002 today reported.

Gina lived much longer than the average lifespan of a smaller dog, which is 10 to 13 years.

The title of oldest dog ever lived still belongs to Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who lived to be 29 years old before being euthanized in 1939.

Alex found Gene, then named Pee-wee, at the Boulder Valley Humane Society in California and said the pup soon became “one of the guys.”

The puppy would stay up to greet his owners after a night’s rest, and would walk around the house with them when guests came over.

“When he was younger, he loved exploring my parents’ huge backyard with our other dogs in Manhattan Beach, going for off-leash walks in Venice, driving along the coast with his head out the window blasting music, or running on the golf course in La -Quinta,” he added.

However, he’s happiest now when he’s napping by the fire and riding around the neighborhood in a special wagon pushed by Alex.

The lucky dog ​​was born in 2000 and was later rescued by Alex, then a university student in California, in 2002

The dog lover joked that despite weighing just seven kilograms, Gina has “big dog energy” and a fearless personality.

He thanked Gene for being there for him through all his milestones, from getting a job to buying a house and meeting his friends Rebecca Grenell, who is one of the pup’s biggest fans.

Alex attributed Gene’s longevity to a healthy diet and lots of love and support, but said the pup’s old age was down to him being a “strong dog”.

He added that Gina, whose eyesight has deteriorated with age, always visits the vet to make sure he is in top shape.

The dog lover said he hopes Gene’s status as the oldest living dog will help him raise money and spread awareness about pet adoption and activism.

He added that he believes Gina has left behind a legacy.

Alex also added that Gene’s story proves that pets really do last a lifetime, something anyone thinking about getting a pet should consider.

Alex attributed Gene’s longevity to a healthy diet and lots of love and support, but said the pup’s old age was down to him being a “strong dog”