The world’s oldest dog, Rafeiro do Alentejo (Bobi), died recently few months after celebrating its 31st birthday. The canine hit the record after surpassing Australia’s beloved Bluey, who died in 1939 at the age of 29 years and five months.
The canine’s death was made public via social media by a veterinarian, Dr. Karen Becker, who met the dog on several occasions. “Despite outliving every dog in history, his 11,478 days on earth would never be enough for those who loved him,” the veterinarian wrote. “Godspeed, Bobi…you’ve taught the world all you were meant to teach.”
Bobi’s owner, Leonel Costa, says Bobi was a lucky survivor
Leonel Costa, who is the owner of the pet, revealed that at the time of Bobi’s birth, his family had too many animals to cater to; thus, his father decided to dispose of them by burying all the animals in a hole but accidentally left Bobi behind.
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Leonel further added that Bobi was soon discovered by him and his brothers, and they kept his existence a secret. He explained that when their parents eventually became aware of Bobi, it was too late to put him down, so he became a part of the family. “They screamed a lot and punished us,” he admitted, “but it was worth it and for a good reason!”
Leonel Costa shares the secret behind Bobi’s long life
Leonel openly shared the secrets that he believed were instrumental in contributing to the remarkable longevity of his beloved dog. He maintained that the tranquil and harmonious surroundings of the Portugal farm where Bobi was born and raised contributed to his extended life span. What set this environment apart was the fact that the dog was afforded the freedom to roam at will, never subjected to the constraints of being tied up, chained, or leashed.
In addition to the serene atmosphere, Leonel highlighted the significance of Bobi’s diet in maintaining his health and vitality. The dog exclusively consumed human food. Leonel emphasized that prior to feeding Bobi, he would meticulously soak the food in water, a practice aimed at removing any seasonings or additives.