World’s Oldest Dog, Bobi, Dies A Good Boy Months After Celebrating His 31st Birthday

Dr. Karen Becker, a veterinarian who had the pleasure of meeting Bobi on several occasions, shared the sad news of his passing recently. She paid tribute to Bobi, calling him a "sweet boy" who had now earned his wings. 

Despite setting records as the world's oldest dog, Bobi's 11,478 days on Earth could never be enough for those who loved him. Dr. Becker bid farewell to Bobi, acknowledging that he had taught the world valuable lessons.

"Last night, this sweet boy earned his wings," Becker wrote in an October 22 Facebook post. "Despite outliving every dog in history, his 11,478 days on earth would never be enough for those who loved him."

Bobi, a purebred Rafeiro Alentejano, passed away during the weekend on October 21, as confirmed by his owner, Leonel Costa, to The Associated Press. Bobi's entire life was spent in a quaint village in central Portugal.

This noble canine made his home on a serene farm nestled in the picturesque village of Conqueiros, sharing his space with four feline fellows.

Bobi's remarkable journey to become the world's oldest dog began on May 11, 1992, as confirmed by the Veterinary Medical Service of the Municipality of Leira. 

His life had an uncertain start when Leonel’s father initially didn't want to keep Bobi and his littermates. 

Leonel's family intended to have the puppies put down while their mother was away, but they overlooked Bobi, who hid in a pile of wood in the outbuilding of his birthplace. The children kept Bobi's existence a secret until their mother discovered him, and he became an integral part of their family.

Leonel, now 38, has been the proud owner of several old dogs, including Bobi's mother, Gira, who lived to the age of 18, and another beloved dog, Chicote, who reached the impressive age of 22. 

The Portuguese mastiff, known for guarding livestock, typically enjoys a lifespan averaging between 12 and 14 years.

Mr. Costa has a theory about what contributed to his beloved pet's remarkable longevity. He revealed that Bobi followed a unique diet of fresh "human food" from which seasoning was meticulously removed.

Moreover, Bobi's serene and peaceful environment, coupled with his freedom to roam and interact with various animals, including cats, likely played a role in his extended life.

Bobi's record-breaking feat occurred in February of this year when he surpassed the age of Bluey, an Australian cattle dog that lived to the impressive age of 29 years and 5 months before its passing in 1939.

The official records affirm Bobi's extraordinary status, as he was registered with the Veterinary Medical Service of the Municipality of Leiria, with his birthdate officially recorded as May 11, 1992.

In celebration of his 31st birthday, Bobi hosted a grand party in the village of Conqueiros, his cherished hometown.

More than a hundred people joined the festivities, including veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker, a renowned enthusiast of the world's oldest pets. Bobi and his guests were treated to a feast featuring meat and fish, according to the Associated Press.

Dr. Becker, who has an avid interest in the world's oldest pets, happened to discover Bobi during her research into the diets and environments of long-lived animals. 

She and Rodney Habib, her collaborator on a forthcoming book about companion animal well-being, were invited to Bobi's 31st birthday celebration.

It was there that they learned more about the striking similarities between Bobi's lifestyle and that of exceptionally long-lived humans in Blue Zones—areas worldwide known for their residents' remarkable longevity.

Dr. Becker shared, "Interestingly, Bobi's lifestyle aligns with human centenarians in Blue Zones (areas around the world with exceptionally long-lived humans). 

Blue Zone researchers have identified several key variables that extra long-lived people often have in common: daily natural movement (exercise), a Mediterranean diet (a varied, fresh food diet that builds the microbiome), and a low-stress environment with rich social ties."