In a heartwarming tale that captured the world’s attention, Bobi, the purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo dog from Portugal, has sadly passed away at the remarkable age of 31 years and 165 days. This extraordinary canine not only held the title of the world’s oldest living dog but has also made it into the annals of history as the oldest dog ever recorded, according to Guinness World Records.

Bobi’s incredible journey began in 1992 when he was born in a litter of four puppies. At that time, the Costa family, Bobi’s eventual owners, had hesitated to keep the pups due to an already large number of pets in their care. Regrettably, the family had made the decision to put down the puppies, a common practice at the time, and had buried them in a hole. However, destiny had other plans for Bobi.

The two sons of the Costa family discovered the young pup, and instead of adhering to the original plan, they decided to hide him and care for him in secret. As he grew older, Bobi had truly endeared himself to the Costa family and had become an integral part of their lives. Bobi spent his years with the Costas in the tranquil village of Conqueiros, situated in rural Portugal, about 93 miles north of Lisbon.

Described as a “very sociable” dog, Bobi had a loving family that cherished him, and he in turn captured the hearts of those who came into contact with him. As he aged, Bobi’s mobility began to wane, but his spirit remained intact.

In February of this year, Guinness World Records recognized Bobi’s exceptional longevity, officially declaring him the world’s oldest dog. He outlived the previous record holder, an Australian dog named Bluey, who passed away at the age of 29 years and five months back in 1939.

Bobi’s age was meticulously verified by Guinness World Records, a pet database authorized by the Portuguese government, the country’s national veterinarian union, and local veterinary services.

On the weekend of his passing, Bobi was surrounded by his loving family, ending an extraordinary life that was marked by resilience and enduring companionship. His remarkable story serves as a testament to the enduring bond between humans and their loyal canine companions.

As the world mourns the loss of Bobi, his memory will undoubtedly live on, reminding us all of the enduring love and devotion that our faithful four-legged friends bring into our lives.

Adapted from Forbes and other internet sources.