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Last Updated: October 25th, 2023
Guiness World Record’s Oldest Dog Dies at Age 31. Godspeed Bobi!
In the quiet village of Conqueiros, Portugal, an extraordinary tale of survival and resilience unfolded. Bobi, a remarkable Rafeiro do Alentejo, clinched a historical title as the oldest dog ever recognized by the Guinness World Records, living a staggering 31 years and 165 days. From a vulnerable puppy on the brink of death to a global canine icon, Bobi’s journey was nothing short of miraculous.
Leonel Costa and his family were Bobi’s guardians his whole life. Their life together was about love, care, and profound bonding that crafted the backdrop of Bobi’s record-breaking longevity.
Bobi was born in a litter of four puppies. Because Leonel’s family already owned a lot of animals, his father decided not to keep them. “Unfortunately, at that time it was considered normal by older people […] to bury the animals in a hole so that they would not survive,” Leonel revealed.
Leonel’s parents decided to take the puppies away from their mother. Fortunately, they left Bobi behind. He was hidden in a pile of wood, stored in the outbuilding where the puppies were born, so Leonel’s parents didn’t spot him. Leonel and his brothers found Bobi and decided to keep him a secret. When their parents eventually found out about Bobi, it was too late to put him down, so Bobi became a part of the family.
As he advanced in age, Bobi became less mobile, so he spent most of his time in the backyard with his cat friends. Leonel described Bobi as a “very sociable” dog.
Bobi was announced as the world’s oldest dog living and oldest dog ever on 2 February 2023. Bobi was registered in 1992 with Serviço Medico-Veterinário do Município de Leiria (Veterinary Medical Service of the Municipality of Leiria), who confirmed his birth date.
Bobi’s world was a playground. He spent his long life exploring the vast, serene landscapes of rural Portugal. He lived a life full of meaningful memories, unrestricted by chains or leashes, exploring nature’s beauty with spirited curiosity.
Leonel, Bobi’s owner, was the care giver behind Bobi’s extraordinary lifespan. He says that Bobi’s meals might be the secret to his long life. Bobi was fed an unusual diet of human food his whole life. The Portuguese canine legend only ate what his human family ate, soaked in water to remove seasoning. His diet consisted of a mix of raw and cooked meat and fish, combined with primarily raw organic vegetables from the garden.
Bobi passed away on 20 October in an animal hospital. Bobi’s death was announced by Dr Karen Becker, a veterinarian who cared for Bobi a couple times. She wrote on Facebook: “Last night, this sweet boy earned his wings.”
Bobi’s departure marks an end of a legendary dog life. Bobi is a global icon to remember and his passing is a mixture of sorrow and celebration of life. Bobi’s life offers a remarkable narrative of canine vitality and the extraordinary possibilities of life beyond the expected realms of time. Godspeed Bobi.
The purrfect life for your furry friend.
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