On October 21, 2023, the world said goodbye to a canine companion named Bobi, who held the title of the world’s oldest known dog ever. Bobi, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, was born on May 11, 1992, in the village of Conqueiros, Portugal.
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His journey from a litter of puppies with an uncertain fate to a Guinness World Record holder is a tale of resilience, love, and the extraordinary bond between humans and their four-legged friends.
In February of 2023, Bobi’s story garnered global attention as he was officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the oldest living dog in recorded history.
At the time of this achievement, Bobi was 31 years and 165 days old, breaking the previous record held by Australia’s Bluey, who lived to be 29 years and five months old.
Bobi’s story starts in 1992, He was born to a litter of four puppies, a simple yet heartwarming event in the village of Conqueiros.
However, this occasion was shadowed by the fact that the three other puppies were destined to be put down.
At the time, it was a common practice to bury unwanted animals to avoid the burden of caring for them. Bobi’s fate, though, would take a turn.
Leonel Costa, who was just eight years old at the time, was destined to become Bobi’s lifelong friend and protector.
His family had to make the difficult decision to put down the puppies, as they already had a substantial number of animals on their farm.
However, fate had other plans for Bobi, as he managed to escape this grim destiny. Hidden in a stack of wood in an outbuilding, Bobi was spared from the shovel and the grave.
When Costa’s parents discovered Bobi’s miraculous survival, it was too late to consider any other fate for the dog.
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Bobi had found his forever home with the Costa family, and from that moment on, he would become an integral part of their lives.
His journey from an uncertain fate to becoming the world’s oldest dog ever is a testament to the power of resilience and the deep bond between humans and their animal companions.
Bobi’s longevity was not simply a result of luck but a combination of factors that contributed to his lifespan. Costa attributed Bobi’s old age to the “calm, peaceful environment” in which he lived.
Nestled in the Portuguese village of Conqueiros, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Bobi enjoyed the fresh countryside air and the love of his family.
In contrast to the common practice of tying up or leashing dogs, Bobi was allowed to roam freely, a testament to the trust and bond he shared with his human family.
He was never restricted by physical constraints and was given the freedom to explore and enjoy the world around him.
Another factor in Bobi’s long life was his diet. He ate the same food as the Costa family, a testament to the care and attention they provided to their beloved canine companion.
While Bobi enjoyed the same meals, the family would soak his food in water to remove any seasonings or additives that might have been harmful to him.
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This careful consideration of his diet ensured that Bobi thrived for over three decades. Bobi’s journey to becoming the world’s oldest dog was not without its challenges.
In 2018, he faced a health scare when he suddenly collapsed due to breathing difficulties. This incident shocked the Costa family and reminded them of the fragility of life, even for their beloved four-legged friend.
However, with proper care and medical attention, Bobi bounced back, ready to enjoy more years of life and love.
As he advanced in age, Bobi experienced the challenges of aging, including difficulty walking and worsening eyesight.
These physical changes are a natural part of growing old, and Bobi’s family stood by him, providing the support and care he needed to navigate these challenges.
In May, Bobi celebrated his 31st birthday, a milestone for a dog of his breed, which typically has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
The Costa family, together with friends and well-wishers, threw a traditional Portuguese birthday party for Bobi. Over 100 guests gathered to celebrate the journey of the world’s oldest dog ever.
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