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.
“A Cop’s Compassion: Abandoned Dog’s Tearful Plea Earns a Forever Home”
In the quiet solitude of a deserted street, a small puppy sat forlorn and motionless, embodying a sense of despair that tugged at the heartstrings of anyone who chanced upon its gaze. Tear-filled eyes spoke volumes of the dog’s plight, abandoned and forgotten, left with nowhere to call home. With a heart heavy with desolation, the dog’s only glimmer of hope was to approach a nearby police base, a silent plea for assistance echoing in its every step.
The dog’s destiny hung in the balance, unsure if anyone would heed its silent cries. Yet, propelled by necessity, the pup summoned its courage and approached the door of the police base. As fate would have it, a compassionate policeman stood close by, his attention drawn to the faint knocking. Opening the door, he was met with a heart-rending sight: a little dog, its eyes filled with a poignant mixture of vulnerability and supplication. In that instant, the policeman’s heart melted, swayed by the dog’s touching plea for help. Gently, he inquired, “What brings you here, little one?” In response, the dog mustered a tentative wag of its tail, eyes gleaming with a glimmer of hope. With resolve solidified, the officer scooped up the trembling pup, ushering it into the safety of the police base.
From that moment on, a transformation took place — one that would shape the destiny of both the dog and its newfound protector. The puppy found itself embraced by the warm embrace of the police base, quickly endearing itself to the officers within. Its loyalty and affection became apparent, igniting a genuine bond that resonated throughout the base’s corridors. The dog’s presence became a source of solace and camaraderie, a reminder of the remarkable ability of animals to forge connections that transcend words.
With each passing day, the dog’s life underwent a remarkable metamorphosis. It was given a new name: Lucky, embodying the newfound fortune that had smiled upon it. Lucky’s once desolate existence now blossomed into a life brimming with love, care, and companionship. It proved itself as a faithful and devoted companion, a steadfast friend to those who had taken it in.
Lucky’s story is a testament to the power of compassion and the profound impact that even a small gesture of kindness can have on a life. It serves as a reminder that amid the challenges of the world, there is always room for humanity to shine through. The bond between Lucky and the police officers is a symbol of the unwavering devotion that animals bring into our lives, and the reciprocal love that can flourish when we extend a helping hand.
In conclusion, the heartwarming tale of Lucky, the abandoned dog who found solace within the embrace of a police base, resonates as a testament to the resilience of animals and the boundless capacity of humans to show compassion. Lucky’s journey from despair to hope serves as an inspiration, underscoring the importance of extending empathy to the voiceless and reminding us that every act of kindness creates ripples of positivity that enrich lives in unimaginable ways.
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