The world's oldest dog ever

Issy Ronald

“Bobi, the world's oldest dog ever,has died after reaching the almost inconceivable age of 31 years and 165 days,”said Guinness World Records.

His death at an animal hospital was initially announced by veterinarian Dr Karen Becker. “There were many secrets to Bobi's extraordinary old age,” his owner Leonel Costa said. “He always roamed freely and lived in a ‘calm, peaceful’ environment,” Costa said. He spent his whole life in Conqueiros, a small Portuguese village about 150 kilometers north of the capital Lisbon, often wandering around with cats.

Bobi was a breed of livestock guardian dog, according to his owner. He lived more than twice as long as that of dogs' life expectancy, becoming the oldest dog. Bobi's story almost had a different ending. When Bobi and his three siblings were born in the family's woodshed,Costa's father decided they already had too many animals at home. Costa and his brothers thought their parents had taken all the puppies away to be put down.

However, a few sad days later, the children found Bobi alive, safely hidden in a pile of logs. They hid the puppy from their parents, and by the time Bobi's existence became known, he was too old to be put down and went on to live his recordbreaking life.

His 31st birthday party in May was attended by more than 100 people and a performing dance troupe, Guinness World Records said. His eyesight deteriorated and walking became harder as Bobi grew older, but he still spent time in the backyard with the cats, rested more and napped by the fire.

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What did Bobi's owner, Leonel Costa,believe contributed to Bobi's long life?