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Henry the rat terrier has officially entered super<\/em>-senior status.<\/p>\n The rescue pup celebrated his 25th birthday on Jan. 15\u2014a milestone that could make him eligible for the title of the world\u2019s oldest living dog. His mom, Lori Larson of Max\u2019s Animal Rescue<\/a> in Hoboken, Georgia, is currently in the process of applying through Guinness World Records<\/a>, gathering the required DNA testing and years of veterinary records.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udc36<\/a>SIGN UP to get \u201cpawsitivity\u201d delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends<\/a><\/strong>\ud83d\udc3e\ud83d\udc3e<\/a><\/p>\n While Henry\u2019s milestone birthday is undoubtedly impressive, his story is about much more than a number. Larson first met Henry in January 2010 when he was nine years old and living in dire conditions at an overwhelmed backyard breeding operation. After receiving a call from a Georgia official warning that the dogs\u2019 lives were at risk, she rushed to the location.<\/p>\n Larson agreed to bring all 29 dogs to Max\u2019s Animal Rescue, the nonprofit, no-kill sanctuary she and her husband, Jim Larson, founded in 2007. Before long, that number nearly doubled to 60 when several of the pregnant dogs she rescued gave birth.<\/p>\n Over time, most of the dogs found homes, but Henry did not. When he arrived, he was unsocialized, frightened and could barely tolerate human touch. But she refused to give up on him. At Max\u2019s Animal Rescue, animals aren\u2019t euthanized for space, and that commitment gave Henry the time he needed.<\/p>\n Over several years, Henry relaxed and opened up, and today, Larson calls him a \u201clittle gentleman\u201d who feels safest curled up in her lap.<\/p>\n At 25, Henry is blind and being treated for pulmonary hypertension (he even has his own cardiologist and pulmonologist!). But senior care doesn\u2019t come cheap. Specialist visits, medications, routine blood work and dental procedures can quickly add up. Larson says Henry\u2019s specialist visits cost at least $1,100 per visit.<\/p>\n That’s why instead of simply celebrating his longevity, Henry is using his milestone birthday to shine a light on a larger issue: senior dogs in rescue<\/a>.<\/p>\n Related: Animal Rescue Builds ‘Disney Land for Senior Street Dogs’ and It’s the Best<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n While puppies and emergency rescues often attract the most donations, senior rescue dogs can quietly accumulate significant medical bills over time. Through his \u201cHenry the Old Dog\u201d social media pages (Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a> and TikTok<\/a>) and a GoFundMe fundraiser<\/a> dedicated to his birthday, Henry is helping raise funds not only for his own care, but also for the other seven long-stay senior dogs currently cared for at Max\u2019s Animal Rescue.<\/p>\n In the long run, the Larsons hope to raise six figures so they can create grants for other shelters, helping cover the medical costs of senior, long-term residents and giving more aging pets the chance to live out their golden years with comfort and care.<\/p>\n Whether or not Guinness officially crowns Henry the world\u2019s oldest living dog, one thing is certain: his life is already record-breaking in another way.<\/p>\n From frightened breeder dog to 25-year-old advocate for senior pets, Henry\u2019s story is proof that rescue dogs<\/a>, no matter their age,\u00a0 still have plenty of love (and purpose) left to give.<\/p>\n Related: Rescued Pit Bull\u2019s First \u2018Girl Time\u2019 Moment Is the Sweetest<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n This story was originally published by Parade Pets<\/a> on Feb 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News<\/a> section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\nHenry Celebrates His 25th Birthday<\/h2>\n
A Super Senior With a Mission<\/h2>\n