Embed from Getty Images
Place your paw on your heart and bow your head for a round of Taps: the world’s oldest dog, Bobi, passed away on Saturday. Born on May 11, 1992, Bobi was a Rafeiro do Alentejo — a livestock guardian dog — and lived in Conqueiros, Portugal with the Costa Family. Bobi made it into the Guinness Book of World Records as the World’s Oldest Living Dog in February of this year. In May Bobi celebrated his 31st birthday with a joyous party that saw more than a hundred people from all over the world come to pay tribute. Known for his golden brown coat and signature white front right paw, he lived life well, never once being tied to a leash and enjoying a diet of purely human food (seasoning removed). A friendly dog, Bobi kept up friendships with the many animals he encountered. Even cats. He is survived by his person, Leonel Costa.
“Is there ever enough time? I think not,” veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker – who interacted with Bobi on multiple occasions – wrote on Facebook on Sunday. “Last night, this sweet boy earned his wings.”
“Despite outliving every dog in history, his 11,478 days on earth would never be enough, for those who love him,” she added.
Back in May, Bobi celebrated his 31st birthday with “more than 100 people” traveling to Portugal to attend the dog’s celebration.
His owner Leonel Costa told Guinness World Records at the time that Bobi would have a “very traditional” Portuguese party.
“We’ve had a lot of journalists and people come from all over the world to take a picture with Bobi,” Costa said. “They’ve come from all over Europe, as well as the USA and even Japan.”
Bobi only ate human food and was treated to local meats and fish on his birthday.
The historic dog was given the Guinness World Record for World’s Oldest Living Dog in February, despite being of the Rafeiro do Alentejo breed, which has a life expectancy of 12-14 years.
He replaced former record holder Bluey – an Australian cattle dog, who died in November 1939 at 29 years and 5 months.
“Bobi has been a warrior for all these years; only he knows how he’s been holding on, it must not be easy because the average dog’s life span is not that high, and if he spoke, only he could explain this success,” Costa told Guinness World Records. “We are very happy and grateful to life for allowing us, after 30 years, to have Bobi in our daily lives.”
Leonel Costa was eight years old when Bobi was born. He was from a litter of four who were all supposed to be rehomed, since the Costas already had too many animals on their property. But Leonal snuck away with Bobi, his parents let Bobi stay, and the two were companions from there on out. Leonel speaks eloquently in the article, but my goodness, the loss must be devastating. He’s spent nearly his entire life with Bobi. Having my own little companion, I cannot bear the thought. My Girl will be 12 next March and her facial fur has turned white and I’ve started noticing her being hesitant to jump up on the couch. I wanted to share Bobi’s story with her, as inspiration, but I just know her first question is gonna be “Well what did he eat?” and I’ll have to mumble in response, “human food” at which point she’ll shriek “SEE!!!!”
Our deepest sympathies to Leonel Costa. May Bobi’s memory be a blessing.
Dogs are truly a gift. “Beauty without vanity, strength without insolence, courage without ferocity… all the virtues of man without his vices.”
Such a beautiful comment.
OMG my heart! My little pup Nico is the love of my life and I’m so thankful to have him every single day. If I could get 31 years with him I would be the happiest person alive. 🥹
IKR? Those people were soooooo lucky that they had him for so long. I lost mine when she was 12 and a half, a few years ago, and I’m still reeling
So sorry for your loss 🙁
I feel like 12 for doggos is sort of like 16 for kitties. I don’t know many dogs who live past that age and for many breeds, you’re lucky if they make it past 10.
@Kitten–thank you for your kind thoughts! Yeah, I think you are right. We had a miniature poodle when I was a kid that lived to be 16, so I took it for granted that I’d have her (Inky) that long. And then when she got sick, it was very sudden and shocking, after having taken it for granted that she would grow old and basically fall apart (not that I wanted that for her, I just had spent time trying to prepare myself for that experience, which is very hard too). Now I have a cat (my first cat and I love her so much!) and I keep seeing people who have had their kitties for 18, 19, 20 years and I’m like, try not to hope too hard, don’t take her for granted ever! Just took a break to play with her for a little bit and brush her. Hopefully she knows how much I love her!
This is such a beautiful sad-yet-positive story—thanks for posting it Kismet. As a former dog and present cat mom, Leonel Costa has my heartfelt condolences.
All dogs (all animals) go to animal heaven. RIP Bobi. See you at the rainbow Bridge 🧡❤️❤️💜❤️💙
Wow. Bobi truly won the genetics and human family lottery (nature and nuture). Excuse me, have to pet my jealous cat who keeps pawing me, lol.
I’m truly disappointed that the “my girl” link didn’t take me to a picture of your dog. Our beloved is turning 11 in January and her face is getting gray, but the puppy spirit lives on!
My best pal from childhood–whom I knew my whole life until college (sob)–grayed on top of her head. She looked so pretty with her silver top curls (poodle & dachshund mix).
Oh my god what a handsome, good GOOD boi ♥
@ Kismet-our senior kitty is 16 and despite moments of great vigor, she’s starting to slow down a lot and is starting to get matted fur on her back. It breaks my heart because I know it’s a sign of her struggling to reach back there and not having the same level of diligence in terms of grooming. Like you, my husband and I dread the day we have to say goodbye so we just make sure she feels loved and pampered every single day.
My heart goes out to you! It’s just not fair that we don’t get to keep them longer. I told my husband we’re getting one of those birds that lives to be a hundred so we don’t have to deal with that next time haha
The goodest boy.
Wow and also awww. I can’t believe he was still able to walk and wasn’t blind at that age, I wonder what Bobi’s secret was. My childhood dog died at 15 and we thought that was amazing! I can’t imagine what his owner must be going through, to have a dog that’s been with you nearly your whole life. RIP Bobi.
And I thought Marley and Me made me cry, I can’t even wrap my head around being 8 to almost 40 with your best fur friend. Oh Mah Heart Hurts!
God speed dear Bobi. Say hello to my sweet Nyuszi, she’ll be happy to show you around.
Yay for human food! I cook mine a mix of chicken breasts, barley, green bean, and pumpkin. Gentle Giants kibble in the morning. It’s a company owned by the actor who played Robin in the original Adam West TV Batman, with no dyes or fillers. Most dog food is such crap.
I was recently going through Jake’s paperwork and realized I’ve been saying he’s 14 for 3 years!! Jake turns 18 on November 17th.
Somehow, I don’t know how, he’s hurt his back RHS hip, thigh and has been limping. The first couple of days I thought it was his foot and would get better. When I finally realized (I’m so sorry, Jake) he was really hurting, it took another 7 days to get a vet appointment, though I did get them to issue some anti-inflammatory/pain medication to get him through. We go today to see if more needs to be done.
He’s still cheerful, eats well, poops well and the nose works really well too, but not much else. His eyesight is pretty much gone, confirmed when a squirrel jumped 12 inches from his nose and he didn’t react till he’d taken the few steps needed and caught the scent. His hearing has diminished substantially now too. My brave boy is starting to be frightened if he thinks he’s been left alone, though that started when our beloved JoLee died a year ago at 12, its gotten worse the last 6 months or so. If he’s sleeping in the bedroom kennel and I’ve moved into another room he panics till he finds me again. Or if he’s sleeping in the living room kennel and I move into the bedroom (1 bedroom apartment, so not a big place) he wakes up and freaks out a little. When I have to go out I leave him with our upstairs neighbours, both seniors (96 & 89 years old). They adore having him, he’s happy to be there, and I’m grateful to not have to worry about him when I do have to work on site instead of from home.
The deep grief felt over the loss of a pet is real. I hope to never live without a pet in my home though!
Rest in Peace sweet, sweet boy.
My Kirby is a mini Dachshund and 16 1/2. He hasn’t been doing too well lately and I hope he rallies. It would be great to have another year with him.
Thanks for this post. Have been following Bobi’s story in the past couple of years. RIP! What a great life for a dog. I love his owner and vet’s descriptions of his idyllic life – no anxiety, free to roam safely, and no pet food. I love you, Bobi!