ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
Advocates Philippines
World's Oldest Dog Dies
Photo credit: Guinness World Records
Guinness World Records is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Bobi, the world's oldest dog ever, who lived a remarkable 31 years and 165 days.

Bobi, a beloved canine companion, took his last breath on October 20, 2023, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by animal lovers worldwide.

Bobi's incredible journey began in the picturesque village of Conqueiros, Portugal, where he spent his entire life with his loving owner, Leonel Costa, and his family. Dr. Karen Becker, a veterinarian who had the privilege of meeting Bobi several times, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, 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's extraordinary life was officially recognized by Guinness World Records on February 2, 2023, when he was declared the world's oldest living dog and the oldest dog ever.

His birth date had been confirmed by the Serviço Medico-Veterinário do Município de Leiria (Veterinary Medical Service of the Municipality of Leiria) in 1992 and verified by SIAC, a pet database authorized by the Portuguese government and managed by the SNMV (Sindicato Nacional dos Médicos Veterinários; National Union of Veterinarians).

Born in a litter of four puppies, Bobi was almost left behind due to Leonel's family already owning numerous animals. His father initially decided not to keep the puppies, in line with the customs of the time, where unwanted animals were often buried. However, Bobi's fate took a different turn. Hidden amongst a pile of wood, he escaped their notice.

Bobi's existence was eventually discovered by Leonel and his brothers, who kept the puppy's presence a secret. When their parents did find out, it was too late to take any drastic action, and Bobi became an integral part of the Costa family.

Leonel, reflecting on those times, stated, "They screamed a lot and punished us, but it was worth it and for a good reason."

Throughout his life, Bobi was never tied up, chained, or leashed. As he aged, Bobi spent most of his time in the backyard with his feline friends, earning a reputation as a "very sociable" dog.

According to Leonel, Bobi's longevity can be attributed to his diet of exclusively human food. "What we ate, they ate too," Leonel explained, mentioning that he would soak Bobi's meals in water to remove any seasonings.

Bobi was not the first long-lived canine in the Costa family; his mother, Gira, lived to be 18, and another family dog, Chicote, passed away at the age of 22.

Bobi had a vast global fan base, evident by the over 100 people who attended his 31st birthday party, a testament to the profound impact he had on people's lives. Leonel Costa remarked that Bobi was the "last of a long generation of animals" in the Costa family, signifying the end of an era.
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