Bobi earned the prestigious recognition of being the oldest dog ever by Guinness World Records in February. This purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo achieved a feat that surpassed the previous record held by the Australian cattle-dog Bluey, who lived to be 29 years and five months old before his passing in 1939.
Dr. Karen Becker, a distinguished veterinarian, confirmed Bobi's peaceful passing over the weekend, saying, «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. Godspeed, Bobi… you've taught the world all you were meant to teach.»
Bobi spent his entire life alongside Leonel Costa and his family in the idyllic rural village of Conqueiros in Portugal. This remarkable dog was born in an outhouse with three siblings.
However, Mr. Costa revealed that, initially, the puppies had to be put down due to the family's surplus of animals. Bobi, displaying his resilient spirit, managed to escape and continued to live in the comforting surroundings of his rural home.
Mr.
Costa, who was a mere eight years old when Bobi was born, credited the dog's exceptional longevity to the «calm, peaceful environment» in which he lived, far from the hustle and bustle of the cities. He further noted that Bobi always dined on the same food as the family and was never constrained by chains or leashes.
Bobi celebrated his 31st birthday in May, a remarkable achievement considering that his breed typically has a life expectancy of only 12 to 14 years. The accuracy of his birth date was confirmed by the Portuguese government's pet database and the National Union of Veterinarians.
Bobi's remarkable journey stands as a testament to the extraordinary