Bobi, the most senior canine in recorded history, peacefully crossed the rainbow bridge on Saturday at a veterinary clinic in Portugal, as confirmed by Guinness World Records on Monday. Bobi achieved an astounding lifespan of 31 years and 165 days, and his lifelong companionship was shared with his devoted owner, Leonel Costa, and their family in the tranquil Portuguese village of Conqueiros.
"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," Guinness World Records said in a news release.
Prior to this, the title of the oldest dog was held by Bluey from Australia, who departed this world in 1939 at the venerable age of 29 years and five months.
Bobi's claim to fame as the world's oldest dog was officially recognized in February, a mere fortnight following a spirited attempt by a 23-year-old Chihuahua named Spike to vie for the title. Sadly, Bobi's passing now designates Spike, a native of Ohio, as the oldest living dog on record.
In terms of dog years, Bobi's astonishing age translates to approximately 86 years old. He was a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, an indigenous Portuguese breed celebrated for its roles as both a farm worker and guardian. Ordinarily, this breed has an expected life span of 12 to 14 years.
The authenticity of Bobi's age was substantiated through his registration with a veterinary service in Leiria, Portugal, dating back to 1992, and by the records stored in a government-owned pet database in Portugal.
Bobi's journey began when he was born in a litter of four puppies. Regrettably, his three littermates met an untimely fate, as Leonel Costa's parents, the owners, were compelled to make a heartbreaking decision due to an overabundance of animals on the farm. Leonel shared that, in those times, it was customary to lay the animals to rest in a quiet, rural manner.
Leonel, however, managed to shield Bobi from this fate when he discovered the pup cleverly concealed in a stack of wood. When Costa's parents were made aware of the pup's survival, it was too late to reverse the decision.
Throughout his remarkable life, Bobi enjoyed liberty, never tethered or leashed. His diet was a unique one, consisting solely of human food, and he had a fondness for drinking plenty of water. Leonel Costa attributed Bobi's remarkable longevity to his serene and content existence.
To mark Bobi's 31st birthday in May, his owner organized a traditional Portuguese birthday celebration, attended by a heartwarming gathering of over 100 guests, an extraordinary testament to the bond between Bobi and his human companions.
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