
A new chapter has closed in the annals of canine history. Bobi, acclaimed as the oldest dog ever by the Guinness World Records, peacefully passed away in his Portuguese homeland at the venerated age of 31 years and 165 days.
Bobi’s passage from this world at his home in Portugal last Saturday plunged animal lovers worldwide into mourning. The news of his passing was shared on social media by a seasoned veterinarian, Dr. Karen Becker, who bore witness to Bobi’s extraordinary longevity in her numerous encounters with him.
“His 11,478 days under the sun, despite surpassing any dog known to history, would never be enough for the hearts that held him dear,” expressed a mournful Dr. Becker.
Bobi, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, ascended to dual world titles as the oldest living dog and the oldest dog ever last February, dethroning a record that stood unchallenged for nearly a century.
Australia’s Bluey, who previously held the title, crossed the rainbow bridge back in 1939 at an age of 29 years and five months. Bobi’s remarkable age was authenticated through the Portuguese government’s pet database, a service under the purview of the National Union of Veterinarians.
Speculation is rife regarding the identity of Bobi’s successor, a title as noble as it is endearing – the world’s oldest living dog.
Bobi spent his life under the tender care of the Costa family in Conqueiros, a serene village nestled near Portugal’s western coast. He was one of four puppies birthed in an outbuilding of the Costa’s property. At the time, eight-year-old Leonel Costa recounted how his family was overwhelmed by the number of pets they had. While the unfortunate decision was made to put the puppies down, Bobi managed to escape this grim fate.
Leonel and his siblings hid Bobi from their parents until his discovery led him to become a cherished member of the family. He was given the same diet as his human counterparts, a unique aspect perhaps contributing to his impressive lifespan.
Bobi led a life relatively devoid of health issues, apart from a scare in 2018 when he was admitted with sudden breathing trouble. Leonel attributed Bobi’s sublime longevity to the tranquil environment he inhabited. Signs of his advanced age, however, manifested as walking difficulties and deteriorating vision prior to his death.
Interestingly, Bobi was not an anomaly within the Costa household. His mother achieved the ripe age of 18, while another of their dogs lived to see 22 years. As we bid adieu to Bobi, his legacy reminds us of the precious, enduring bonds between humans and their faithful companions.