Dachshund Paco Sosa Fetes 20th Birthday on September 5, Deemed New York’s Oldest Dog

Manhattan dachshund who turns 20 years old this Saturday, September 5, is believed to be New York’s most senior canine citizen. In human years, that’s 140.

The world record holder was wire-haired dachshund Chanel, who died on August 28 in New York’s Long Island, at age 21.

Paco exercises regularly and eats organic poultry, fish and fruit; and in good weather he can be seen in Central Park with his human companion, filmmaker and venture capitalist Bernadine Santistevan. But Paco’s healthy regimen isn’t the only factor in his longevity, according to Dr. Talia Goldberg of Park East Animal Hospital, where Paco has been treated since 1990.

“A lot of it has to do with the care that Bernadine provides him. Acupuncture, physical therapy, Eastern therapy — she goes well beyond for him.” Thanks in large part to this comprehensive wellness program and to Bernadine being “in tune” with her dog, “Paco is still with us and in pretty good condition,” said the New York veterinarian.

Paco’s acupuncturist, Dr. Jeffrey Levy, agrees that alternative therapies have helped extend the dog’s life. “When I met Paco in 2008, he had some severe orthopedic issues,” recalled Dr. Levy. Dr. Levy used acupuncture to facilitate Paco’s mobility and to alleviate pain. The dog’s musculoskeletal issues have since dramatically improved.

Rounding out Paco’s protocol have been physical therapy sessions at The Animal Medical Center in Manhattan. Renee Shumway, Paco’s rehabilitation practitioner at The AMC uses massage and special exercises in her work with Paco.

Beyond the needles and rubdowns, Paco is regarded as having unique traits that are also credited with his endurance. “He has a special soul,” observed Dr. Goldberg. “He’s a fighter.”

For his part, Dr. Levy has been impressed by Paco’s “great will to live.”

Paco’s unusual personality was recently caught on camera when Bernadine took him to their native New Mexico for a two-week shoot. The film, The Way of the Wolf, follows its furry protagonist on a series of encounters — including with a Native American who is in touch with animal spirits and with an animal healer — to uncover the extraordinary bond between Paco and Bernadine that some say has fueled the dog’s endurance. Bernadine acquired Paco as a puppy in New Mexico.

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