Jakarta, The Indonesia Post – Bobi has been named the world’s oldest dog, he was 30 years and 269 days old on February 4.
Bobi, a thoroughbred Rafeiro do Alentejo, lives in Portugal with his owner Leonel Costa, Reuters reported on Sunday. When Bobi turned 30 last year, Costa realized he had already passed the record for the world’s oldest dog from Australia, who died aged 29 years and 5 months in 1939.
“An inexplicable feeling of pride,” said Costa, while stroking Bobi around the Portuguese village of Conqueiros.
Costa contacted Guinness World of Records and filled out the required paperwork. A year later, Bobi was named the oldest dog ever recorded.
“Some people say we won’t be able to… but we know Bobi’s age and we are sure the tests will prove what we already know,” Costa said.
Guiness World of Records announced Bobi as the world’s oldest dog on Thursday (1/2). Bobi’s life story, said the agency, is miraculous.
Dog breeds like Bobi usually live to be 12 to 14 years old. When Bobi was born, Costa was only eight years old.
The Costa family at that time had several pets, however, little money. Costa’s father, a hunter, was forced to bury the newborn puppies.
Bobi hid behind firewood until he was found by Costa and his siblings a few days later. Costa kept Bobi a secret until he could open his eyes.
“We know, if he (Bobi) has opened his eyes, our parents will not bury him,” said Costa.
Regarding the secret of Bobi’s longevity, Costa believes there are several reasons, including living in a quiet village, never being chained or attached to a rope and always eating human food.
“Of course, love and affection throughout life also helps,” said Costa.
Bobi still likes to go for walks, but, due to his age he needs more rest. His fur is also thinning and his vision is blurry.
Costa wished his beloved dog a long life, he was also grateful that Bobi had made the village of Conqueiros famous. (mhn/bbs)
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