World's oldest dog celebrates 31st birthday

Bobi - the dog recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest dog - just celebrated his 31st birthday last week.

According to Guinness World Records, Bobi turned 31 on May 11. Bobi's birthday party was held at his owner's home in Conqueiros, a village in southern Portugal, on May 13.

Bobi’s owner, Leonel Costa, said the birthday party was held in traditional Portuguese style, with about 100 guests attending. A troupe of dancers was also invited to perform at the party.

Bobi is a Portuguese Rafeiro do Alentejo breed, bred to guard livestock. Costa has owned many dogs in the past, including some that lived to be 18, like Bobi’s mother, Gira. However, Costa said he never imagined any of his dogs would live past 30. Costa said one of the main factors in Bobi’s longevity was his “quiet, peaceful environment.”

Bobi has always been free to roam the woods around Costa’s home. Bobi has never been chained or leashed. Costa said the dog is “very sociable” and never feels lonely because he grew up with other animals.

Now that he is older and has difficulty moving around, Bobi likes to wander around the yard. His eyesight is also somewhat impaired. He also sleeps more than before. Bobi usually falls asleep immediately after each meal.

When Bobi was born in 1992, Costa was just eight years old. So for him, Bobi is a living reminder of the past. “Bobi is special because every time I see him, I think of my family members, like my father, my brother or my grandparents, who have left this world,” he said.

Thanh Phuong (Vietnam News Agency)

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