Bobi, the oldest dog to have ever lived, died on October 21 at an animal hospital after living for 31 years and 163 days, according to Guinness World Records.
Veterinarian, Dr. Karen Becker, was the first to announce Bobi’s death.
“Despite outliving every dog in history, his 11,478 days on earth would never be enough, for those who loved him,” Becker wrote on Facebook.
The caption said hat Becker and her colleagues asked Bobi’s owner, Leonel Costa, how he managed to keep him alive for a long time.
Costa told them that the secret was “good nutrition, constant contact with nature, freedom to discover his environment, consistent veterinary care, and love. Bobi knows he’s deeply loved.”
Becker ended her caption stating, “Godspeed, Bobi… you’ve taught the world all you were meant to teach.”
Back in February, Costa told Guinness that one of the reasons Bobi, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, lived so long was because he was always free to roam around without being held back by a leash or a chain.
Costa noted that Bobi lived in a comfortable environment and was fed human food soaked in water.
Bobi had a birthday party in May with more than 100 human guests and a performing dance troupe.
Despite health problems like weakening eyesight and difficulty walking, Bobi was still able to play with the cats in Costa’s backyard and sleep by the fireplace.
“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, my brother, or my grandparents who have already left this world,” Costa said. “Bobi represents those generations.”
Bobi’s age has been confirmed by the Portuguese government’s pet database run by the National Union of Veterinarians.
