A big birthday party is planned for Bobi on Saturday at his home in the rural Portuguese town of Conqueiros, where Bobi has lived all his life.
Bobi’s owner, Leonel Costa, said it will be a “very traditional” Portuguese party.
Guests will be served local meat and fish, with extra for Bobi, who only eats human food.
A dance group will also be performing, and Bobi will be participating in one of the dances!
The party is expected to be attended by “more than 100 people”; many of them fly in from foreign countries especially for the occasion.
Bobi with his Guinness World Records certificate.
Life has been hectic for Bobi since she received her Guinness World Records titles from her in February.
“We have had many journalists and people from all over the world come to take a photo with Bobi,” Leonel said.
“They have come from all over Europe, as well as the US and even Japan.”
Leonel revealed that Bobi has been in good health in recent months, although he was recently taken to the vet for a checkup. Leonel was worried about the possible physical and mental stress that Bobi could cause after seeing so many visitors.
“Lots of photos were taken and she had to go up and down many times. It wasn’t easy for him,” Leonel said.
“His health was a bit damaged, but now he is better.”
Bobi’s date of birth has been confirmed by the Serviço Medico-Veterinário do Município de Leiria (Leiria Municipality Veterinary Medical Service), which 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 had several old dogs in the past, including Bobi’s mother, Gira, who lived to be 18 years old. However, he never imagined that any of his dogs would reach thirty.
“If Bobi spoke, only he could explain this,” said Leonel.
“We see situations like this as a normal result of the life they have, but Bobi is unique.”
One of the biggest factors that contribute to Bobi’s longevity, according to Leonel, is the “calm and peaceful environment” in which he lives.
Throughout his life, Bobi has roamed freely in the woods surrounding the Costa house. He has never been chained or tied up.
Bobi also grew up surrounded by many other animals, so he was never alone. Leonel describes him as a “very sociable” dog.
Now in his senior year, Bobi finds it hard to walk, so he prefers to hang out in his backyard.
His eyesight has also gotten worse, which means he often bumps into things when he walks.
Like older humans, Bobi sleeps a lot. He immediately lies down in bed after eating, though on cold days he opts to nap by the fire.
Leonel, who is now 38 years old, was only eight when Bobi was born. For him, Bobi is a living memory from 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 there, like my father, my brother or my grandparents who have already left this world.
“Bobi represents those generations.”
Happy 31st birthday Bobby!
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