I recently turned on the car radio and braced myself for the usual tsunami of grim news. Instead, a cheerful vignette about Bobi, a dog, was airing on NPR. Cat-lover that I am, Bobi’s story is too good not to share.
Leonel Costa, who lives in the countryside near Conqueiros, Portugal, was eight years old when Bobi’s litter was born in the family’s woodshed. The year was 1992, and his father could not afford to feed the litter so he “got rid of them”. Bobi was hidden in a woodpile and survived. Costa and his siblings kept Bobi a secret, but puppies are hard to hide. Costa’s parents relented and let Bobi join the family.
On February 1, 2023, at the age of 30 years and 266 days, Bobi was confirmed to be the world’s oldest dog in the Guinness Book of World Records. He dethroned an Australian cattle dog named Bluey who was born in 1910 and lived 29 years.
Bobi celebrated his 31st birthday on May 11, 2023. Over 100 people attended his party, some traveling from other countries. Bobi died five months later, living about 217 dog years. His entire life was spent with Leonel Costa’s family, cats and farm animals.
Whenever anyone lives an exceptionally long time, this question is always asked, “What is the secret to your long life?” Bobi’s owner answers for Bobi with these reasons:
- Bobi lived on a farm with fresh air and nearby forests.
- Bobi was never leashed or caged. He was free to roam.
- Bobi ate what we ate, food we grew or raised. I simply washed off the seasonings we put on our food.
- Bobi was very loved.
Nature, freedom, a Mediterranean diet and love…a good formula for every creature, including us.
What a sweet story!!!