Happy birthday to Bobi, the world’s oldest dog! Born on May 11, 1992, Bobi turns 31 today, according to Guinness World Records.
A big birthday party is planned for Bobi on Saturday at his home in the rural Portuguese village of Conqueiros, where Bobi has lived his entire life.
Bobi’s owner, Leonel Costa, said it will be a “very traditional” Portuguese party.
Guests will be served Local meats and fish, with extra for Bobi, who only eats human food.
A dance troupe is also set to perform, and Bobi will actually be participating in one of the dances!
“More than 100 people” are due to attend the party; many of them are flying in from foreign countries, especially for the occasion.
Life has been hectic for Bobi since he was awarded his Guinness World Records title in February.
“We’ve had a lot of journalists and people come from all over the world to take a picture with Bobi,” Leonel said.
“They’ve come from all over Europe, the USA and even Japan.”
Leonel revealed that Bobi has been in good health these past few months, although he was recently taken to the vet for a check-up. Leonel was concerned about the potential physical and mental stress Bobi was feeling after seeing so many visitors.
“There were a lot of pictures taken, and he had to get up and down many times. It wasn’t easy for him,” Leonel said.
“His health was a little damaged, but now it’s better.”
Bobi’s birth date has been confirmed by Serviço Medico-Veterinário do Município de Leiria (Veterinary Medical Service of the Municipality of Leiria), who registered Bobi in 1992.
His age has also been verified by SIAC, a pet database authorized by the Portuguese government and managed by the SNMV (Sindicato Nacional dos Médicos Veterinários; National Union of Veterinarians).
Leonel has owned several old-aged dogs in the past, including Bobi’s mother, Gira, who lived to the age of 18. However, he never imagined that any of his dogs would reach their thirties.
“If Bobi spoke, only he could explain this,” Leonel said.
“We see situations like this as a normal result of the life that they have, but Bobi is one of a kind.”
One of the biggest contributing factors to Bobi’s longevity, according to Leonel, is the “calm, peaceful environment” he lives in.
Throughout his life, Bobi has freely roamed the forests surrounding the Costa house. He has never been chained or leashed.
Bobi was also surrounded by many other animals, so he was never lonely. Leonel describes him as a “very sociable” dog.
Now in his senior years, Bobi finds walking difficult, so he prefers to hang out at home in the yard.
His eyesight has gotten worse too, which means he often bumps into things when he walks.
Just like old-aged humans, Bobi sleeps a lot. He immediately lies down in bed after eating, although on cold days he chooses to nap by the fire.
Leonel, now 38, was just eight when Bobi was born. For him, Bobi is a living reminder of the past.
He said, “Bobi is special because looking at him is like remembering the people who were part of our family and unfortunately are no longer here, like my father, brother, or grandparents who have already left this world.
“Bobi represents those generations.”
Happy 31st birthday, Bobi!
