Bobi, the world’s oldest known dog ever, passed away last week at an animal hospital in Portugal, Guinness World Records announced Monday.
“Bobi lived to be 31 years 165 days old and spent his entire life with his loving owner Leonel Costa and his family in the Portuguese village of Conqueiros,” the record-keeping company said in a news release.
Bobi was recognized as the oldest dog ever known in February, just two weeks after a 23-year-old Chihuahua named Spike tried to claim the title. His death leaves Ohio-born Spike as the oldest known living dog.
In dog years, Bobi was roughly 86 years old. He was a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a Portuguese breed of farm and guardian dog with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
His age was confirmed by his 1992 registration with a veterinary medical service in Leiria, Portugal, and with a Portuguese government-owned pet database, Guinness said.
Bobi was born in a litter of four puppies; the three others were put down by owner Leonel Costa’s parents because the farm already had too many animals.
“At that time it was considered normal by older people … to bury the animals in a hole so that they would not survive,” Leonel said in an interview with Guinness.
Costa said he hid Bobi from his parents after he discovered that the dog had escaped his siblings’ fate by hiding in a stack of wood. When Costa’s parents found out, it was too late to put Bobi down.
Costa said Bobi was never tied up or leashed, drank plenty of water and ate human food exclusively. Costa attributed Bobi’s old age to his “calm, peaceful” life.
On Bobi’s 31st birthday, in May, his owner threw him a traditional Portuguese birthday party, attended by more than 100 guests, Guinness said.
Dog’s Unwavering Trust in Owner, Clinging to Him During Walk, Warms Hearts
Amidst the chaos and demands of everyday life, there are those small, precious moments that have the power to make us smile, often when we least expect it. These moments serve as reminders of our fondest memories, cherished friendships, or beloved pets. Recently, a heartwarming photograph captured one such moment, spreading joy and warmth across the internet.
The image depicts a young boy carrying his loyal dog to the market early in the morning. This simple act touched the hearts of many and prompted an outpouring of positivity, accumulating up to 17,000 likes and hundreds of heartfelt comments.
Bui Tu Anh, a viewer of the photograph, was transported back to his own childhood memories as he gazed at the image. He reminisced about his spacious garden, where he raised dogs, cats, rabbits, and chickens. The sheer joy of nurturing these animals and spending carefree moments with them was enough to create lasting, beautiful memories.
The photograph’s magic lies in the dog’s endearing gesture of wrapping its forelimbs around its owner, a gesture that melts the hearts of all who see it. Perhaps, the boy is too young to understand his pet’s fear of falling, but he knows the remedy lies in holding his furry friend close as they journey together on the bike.
The photographer behind this heartwarming image, Ngan Ha, shared her story. She had visited Don Market in Phu Binh, Thai Nguyen, and encountered this scene that touched her deeply. Being an animal lover herself, she couldn’t resist capturing this special moment. She added, “I have pet dogs at home, so whenever I see a dog, I connect with it. This boy reminds me of my own childhood.”
To Ngan Ha’s surprise, her hastily taken photos at the market resonated strongly with the online community, sparking conversations and nostalgia about youthful memories with family pets.
The charming image of the boy and his loyal companion on their market adventure reignited the fond memories of countless people who had grown up with beloved pets. They recalled the times when pets were like family members, accompanying them on village adventures, or patiently sitting in carts with three-wheel platforms.
Sharing their stories, readers fondly remembered their own pets and their unique quirks. From daring bicycle rides with dogs to cats eagerly awaiting their owners at the school gate, these tales of companionship and love filled the comments section.
One commenter, Suy Huynh, even humorously pledged to save money and raise Pitbulls to spend their lives together in blissful companionship.
Today, pets are more than just animals; they provide companionship, emotional support, and reduce feelings of loneliness and stress. They boost self-esteem and bring forth positive emotions, especially in children. While many consider their pets as family members, there are situations where the human-animal relationship becomes strained, leading to pet abandonment. Various reasons, such as lack of time, financial hardship, unexpected litters, family dynamics, or changes in the household, can result in this unfortunate outcome.
However, the experience of abandoned animals on the streets varies greatly. Some are fortunate enough to find new loving homes, while others face a harsher fate. The challenges and outcomes these animals encounter serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need to support animal welfare initiatives.
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