Bobi, the Guinness World Record holder for the oldest dog ever, has peacefully passed away at the remarkable age of 31 years and 165 days at his home in Portugal. The news of his demise was shared on social media by a veterinarian who had the privilege of meeting Bobi several times.
Dr. Karen Becker, expressing condolences, highlighted Bobi’s extraordinary journey, noting that despite surpassing every dog in history in terms of longevity, his time on Earth would never seem enough for those who cherished him.
Bobi’s ascent to fame occurred earlier this year when he became both the world’s oldest living dog and the oldest dog ever, triumphing over a nearly century-old record previously held by Australia’s Bluey, who passed away in 1939 at the age of 29 years and five months.
His exceptional age was verified by the Portuguese government’s pet database, managed by the National Union of Veterinarians.
Residing in the village of Conqueiros near Portugal’s west coast, Bobi spent his entire life with the Costa family, who welcomed him into their home after he escaped from an outbuilding where he was born alongside three siblings. Despite initial attempts to conceal Bobi’s existence due to the family’s surplus of animals, he quickly became an integral part of the Costa household, enjoying the same meals as his human companions.
Reflecting on Bobi’s remarkable journey, Leonel Costa, who was eight years old when Bobi joined the family, emphasized the dog’s relatively trouble-free life, attributing his longevity to the serene environment in which he lived. However, in the months leading up to his passing, Bobi experienced challenges with mobility and declining eyesight.
Bobi’s legacy extends beyond his own longevity, as his mother lived to the age of 18, and another of the Costa family’s dogs reached the impressive age of 22.
As Bobi takes his place among the legends of canine history, his memory will continue to inspire awe and admiration for generations to come.