Mochi “Mo” Rickert, Saint Bernard who held the record for the longest tongue on a living dog, has sadly passed away. Mochi was from South Dakota and belonged to Carla Ernst.
Mochi’s tongue measured an impressive 18.58 cm (7.3 in), which is about the length of two-and-a-half Jenga blocks. Her panting and large frame brought joy to many people.
Carla, her owner, said, “Mochi had an impact on nearly everyone she met. She rescued so many hearts in her life… what a joy this journey has been.”
Mochi faced neglect and abuse in her early years before being rescued by Big Dogs Huge Paws. At two years old, she found her forever home with Carla and her family.
Her extraordinary tongue led to over a hundred appearances in the last four years, including schools, TV shows, book signing events, nursing homes, and animal rescue events. Mochi even graced the cover of Amazing Animals, a Guinness World Records book published in 2017.
Carla described Mochi as calm, loving, and able to take her celebrity status in stride. “She spread love and joy wherever she went and had an amazing knack for picking out children and adults who needed special attention and love,” she said.
One memorable moment happened after a school visit when a teacher contacted Carla. A little girl who had never smiled before finally did so while telling her mom about Mochi.
Another heartwarming experience took place during a tour in Canada. At Niagara Falls, Mochi approached an elderly woman sitting motionless in a wheelchair. Mochi sat beside her and rested her head in the woman’s lap. The family was amazed as the woman started petting Mochi and smiling, something she hadn’t done in a long time.
Mochi’s unique features and her loving nature made her an unforgettable pet. Carla said, “She rocked her record-long tongue with immense pride, and she helped thousands of people of all ages celebrate their differences and uniqueness.”
Carla also expressed gratitude to Guinness World Records for recognizing Mochi’s amazing qualities and bringing positive attention to a previously neglected and abused animal.
The longest tongue on a dog ever belonged to a boxer named Brandy, measuring an incredible 43 cm (1 ft 5 in). Brandy lived with her owner John Scheid in Michigan until September 2002.