The oldest good boy in the world has passed away.
Bobi, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, which is a breed of Portuguese dog trained to guard livestock, was certified by the Guiness Book of World Records as not only the oldest dog in the world, but also the oldest dog to have ever lived.
The dog, owned by Leonel Costa, earned the records back in February. But unfortunately Bobi passed away this weekend in Portugal at the age of 31 years, 165 days.
His death was announced by veterinarian, Dr. Karen Becker:
“Last night, this sweet boy earned his wings.
Despite outliving every dog in history, his 11,478 days on earth would never be enough, for those who loved him. When we asked Leonel what his recipe was for Bobi’s exceptionally long life, his response was swift: “Good nutrition, constant contact with nature, freedom to discover his environment, consistent veterinary care, and love. Bobi knows he’s deeply loved.”
Costa was only 8 years old when he got Bobi – and the dog almost didn’t make it.
According to Costa, Bobi was born with three other siblings, but his parents had too many animals and put the other puppies down.
Bobi managed to escape by hiding in a pile of wood, and Costa and his brother kept the pup a secret from his parents – who were upset when they found out, but eventually welcomed the dog into their family, even feeding him the same food that the rest of the family ate.
Costa said that Bobi was never chained or leashed, enjoying the freedom to explore nature around their property, but as he grew older Bobi became less mobile and spent his time hanging out in the backyard with the family cats.
As he celebrated his 31st birthday earlier this year, over 100 people showed up to celebrate the special dog.
His age was validated by the Portuguese government, and his Guinness world record beat a nearly century old record held by the previous oldest dog, an Australian pup named Bluey who passed away in 1939 at the age of 29 years and five months.
As Dr. Becker said on Facebook when announcing Bobi’s passing:
“Godspeed, Bobi…you’ve taught the world all you were meant to teach.”
I just wish all dogs could live as long as Bobi…
