The world’s oldest dog, Bobi, dies at 31

On February 2, 2023, Guinness World Records awarded Bobi the title of oldest dog ever. This was a moment of pride for his owner, Leonel Costa, the Costa family, and dog lovers worldwide.

Bobi’s age was officially verified by the Serviço Medico-Veterinário do Município de Leiria (Veterinary Medical Service of the Municipality of Leiria) in Portugal, as well as by the pet database managed by Portugal’s National Union of Veterinarians (SNMV).

Bobi had a humble and, might I say, miraculous beginning.

Born in a litter of four puppies, his future initially seemed uncertain. The Costa family, already having a lot of animals, decided to do away with the entire litter. However, fate had different plans for Bobi. He was accidentally left behind, hidden among a pile of wood in the outbuilding where he was born, unbeknownst to Leonel’s parents.

Young Leonel and his brothers discovered Bobi and decided to keep the puppy a secret until it was too late to put him down. That’s how Bobi became a part of the Costa family, a relationship that would last for over three decades.

According to Bobi’s proud owner, his long and healthy life was attributed to the serene and peaceful environment in which he was raised. Bobi was never tied up, chained, or leashed, always enjoying the freedom of nature surrounding his home in the Portuguese village of Conqueiros. Leonel added that Bobi’s diet also contributed to his longevity. Bobi was fed human food. “What we ate, they ate too,” Leonel said.

Leonel also noted to the Guinness World Record that his family had previously owned dogs that lived impressively long lives. For instance, Bobi’s mother, Gira, lived to the age of 18, and another family dog, Chicote, reached the age of 22, but Bobi outlived them all.

Bobi’s journey from being accidentally left behind as a puppy to becoming a Guinness World Record holder for the oldest dog ever is truly one of a kind.

Dr Karen Becker, a veterinarian who announced Bobi’s death on Facebook, expressed her sadness at his passing. “Last night, this sweet boy earned his wings. Godspeed, Bobi, you’ve taught the world all you were meant to teach,” she wrote.

His memory will endure in the hearts of those who cherished him.