In a somber announcement, it was revealed on Monday that Bobi, the oldest dog ever recorded, has peacefully departed this world at the remarkable age of 31. This canine milestone equates to a staggering 217 dog years.
Leonel Costa, Bobi’s devoted owner, conveyed the news of his loyal companion’s passing, disclosing that the beloved dog took his last breath at a veterinary hospital over the weekend. Dr. Karen Becker, Bobi’s trusted veterinarian, further confirmed the news on Facebook, expressing that Bobi’s “11,478 days on earth would never be enough, for those who loved him.” Dr. Becker postulated that Bobi’s longevity could be attributed to a harmonious amalgamation of factors, including a balanced diet, ample exposure to nature, unrestrained exploration of his surroundings, consistent veterinary attention, and, above all, boundless affection.
Bobi’s existence unfurled on a picturesque farm nestled in the village of Conqueiros, in his native Portugal, amid the company of several feline companions. His journey commenced on May 11, 1992, a day etched in history when Leonel Costa was a mere eight years old. From that moment on, Bobi remained inseparable from his devoted owner.
As a pedigreed Rafeiro do Alentejo, a distinguished Portuguese breed renowned by the American Kennel Club (AKC) for its vigilant guarding prowess on farms and estates, Bobi defied the conventional lifespan of his kind. Typically, Rafeiro do Alentejos boast an average life expectancy ranging from 12 to 14 years, according to the AKC.
Before Bobi clinched the title of the oldest dog in authenticated history, the distinction was held by Bluey, an Australian cattle dog with a legendary legacy. Born in 1910, Bluey surpassed the expectations of time, gracing this world for an astonishing 29 years and five months. Bobi ascended to canine immortality in February when Guinness World Records formally recognized him as the eldest living dog, having achieved the remarkable age of 30 years and 266 days.
Costa, sharing insights into his cherished companion’s longevity, disclosed to Guinness World Records that he had been blessed with other four-legged friends who had transcended the two-decade mark. He mused that Bobi’s proclivity for a diet exclusively consisting of human fare may have been the key to his prolonged vitality.
As the sun sets on Bobi’s illustrious life, the world marvels at the legacy of this extraordinary canine, whose journey was a testament to the profound bond between humans and their furry counterparts. In the tapestry of canine history, Bobi’s tale will forever hold a special place, reminding us of the incredible capacity for love, care, and companionship that our loyal companions bring into our lives.