Happy birthday to Bobi, the oldest dog ever and the oldest dog still alive!
Bobi, who was born on May 11, 1992, turned 31 last week.
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A big birthday party was planned for Bobi on Saturday at his home in the rural Portuguese village of Conqueiros, where he has lived his entire life.
His human, Leonel Costa, said it would be a ‘very traditional’ Portuguese party.
Guests were served local meats and fish, with extra for Bobi, who only consumes human food.
Additionally, a dance group was scheduled to perform, and Bobi would take part in one of the dances.
Since receiving his Guinness World Records titles in February, Bobi has had a busy life.
According to Leonel, numerous journalists and tourists have travelled from all over the world to pose for photos with Bobi.
Happiest of birthdays to Bobi, the oldest living dog and the oldest dog ever, who turns THIRTY-ONE today (31!!!!!!!!) ? pic.twitter.com/FCzhSVSIu7
— Guinness World Records (@GWR) May 11, 2023
‘They’ve come from all over Europe, as well as the USA and even Japan.’
Although Bobi was recently taken to the veterinarian for a check-up out of concern for potential physical and mental stress caused by seeing so many visitors, Leonel claims that Bobi has been in good health these past few months.
‘There were a lot of pictures taken and he had to get up and down many times. It wasn’t easy for him,’ Leonel said.
‘His health was a little damaged, but now it’s better.’
The Veterinary Medical Service of the Municipality of Leiria, which registered Bobi in 1992, has verified that the animal was born on that date.
His age has also been verified by SIAC, a pet database authorised by the Portuguese government and managed by the SNMV (Sindicato Nacional dos Médicos Veterinários; National Union of Veterinarians).
In the past, Leonel had several elderly dogs, including Gira, the mother of Bobi, who lived to be 18 years old. He never thought any of his dogs would live into their 30s, though.
‘If Bobi spoke only he could explain this,’ Leonel said.
‘We see situations like this as a normal result of the life that they have, but Bobi is one of a kind.’
One of the biggest contributing factors to Bobi’s longevity, according to Leonel, is the ‘calm, peaceful environment’ he lives in.
Throughout his life, Bobi has freely roamed the forests surrounding the Costa house. He has never been chained or leashed.
Bobi was never alone because he grew up in a large animal community. He is a ‘very sociable’ dog, according to Leonel.
Bobi, who is now elderly and has trouble walking, prefers to hang out in his backyard at home.
Additionally, because of his declining eyesight, he now frequently runs into objects as he walks and takes a lot of naps.
When Bobi was born, Leonel, who is now 38, was only eight years old. For him, Bobi is a living reminder of the past.
‘Bobi is special because looking at him is like remembering the people who were part of our family and unfortunately are no longer here, like my father, my brother, or my grandparents who have already left this world,’ he said. ‘Bobi represents those generations.’
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Picture: Guinness World Records
