«CIs there ever enough time? I do not think so. Last night, this sweet boy earned his wings.” The sweet boy in question is Bobi, aka the oldest dog in the world, passed away yesterday at the age of 31 years and 163 days. The news was shared on social networks by Karen Becker, a veterinarian who attended her 31st birthday party on May 11th. When a large “traditional Portuguese” party was organized with 100 guests, including international ones, a banquet full of local meat and fish and even a dance company.
Goodbye Bobi, the oldest dog in the world died at the age of 31. The secrets of its longevity
“Despite having outlived every dog in history, his 11,478 days on earth would never have been enough for those who loved him,” Karen Becker’s Facebook post continues. She who she also shares the recipe for Bobi’s exceptionally long life. «Good nutrition, constant contact with nature, freedom to discover its environment, constant veterinary care and love. Bobi knows he is deeply loved». This is the rule at the home of Bobi’s Portuguese owner, Leonel Costa.
Bobi was a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo: a breed of livestock guarding dog with an average life expectancy of 12-14 years. And instead Bobi had exceeded 31 springs, and held the Guinness World Record as the oldest dog of all time.
The oldest dog in the world and fate
His date of birth was confirmed by the Veterinary Medical Service of the Municipality of Leiria together with the government-run SIAC pet database. Still a puppy, he was survived the slaughter of his brothers thanks to the color of his fur, which helped him blend in with the wood. While the other puppies were given away by Leonel Costa’s family, who could not keep them and, as we know, they were then killed. Little Leonel, his future master, was 8 years old at the time. He discovered what was destined to become the oldest dog in the world among the wood of his house in the countryside because Bobi’s mother continued to go there frequently. At that point the parents couldn’t help but keep the puppy.
A quiet life and human food
Bobi lived a quiet and full life with the Costa family in the rural village of Conqueiros, exploring the surrounding woods and farmland without a leash. He ate “human food”, another possible key to his longevity.
In 2018, Bobi had faced a health problem: a sudden collapse due to breathing difficulties, but was successfully treated. As he aged he had experienced some difficulty walking and his vision was declining. He preferred to stay at home and enjoying the sun in the garden in the company of his feline friends. Until the last day.
iO Donna © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED