What Pax and I realized spending two days
with the 31-year-old canine, Bobi
I wakened unusually early right this moment, compelled by a unprecedented story I needed to share. It is about spending two days with the oldest canine on this planet, Bobi, and his exceptional household.
Once I obtained the invitation to attend the celebration of the world’s oldest canine, I used to be initially a bit unsure. I had beforehand dedicated to visiting my buddy and fellow canine lover, Michelle, and her household, within the UK.
Nevertheless, understanding the distinctive alternative, she graciously agreed to reschedule our assembly.
So, I discovered myself on a flight to Lisbon, Portugal, crammed with pleasure and anticipation. I had no thought what to anticipate. I solely knew I might be part of my expensive buddies, Dr. Karen Becker and Rodney Habib, and drive to a small village close to Leiria, Portugal.
Assembly Bobi and his household
Deliberately, I did not analysis any details about Bobi’s household to make the assembly extra of a shock.
Getting into the farm gate, we walked by fresh-cut grass and fragrant rosemary branches that Bobi’s dad, Leonel, unfold round. The scent was pretty.
Within the courtyard, Bobi, the visitor of honor, greeted us. Regardless of his superior age and slower tempo, his eyes sparkled with life, extending us and Pax a heat, silent welcome.
I noticed a quiet understanding go between them as if Bobi mentioned: “I’m able to go on all I’ve realized to you so as to share my knowledge additional.”
Pax is now 4 years outdated, which implies Bobi has lived nearly eight occasions so long as him!
Earlier than the official birthday occasion started, they handled us to a conventional Portuguese lunch with darkish bread, recent salad, Dorado, and sardines barbecued to perfection. A refreshing fruit salad made from orange, peach, and cantaloupe melon accomplished the meal.
As the opposite friends started to reach — a bunch of roughly 100 folks, together with eighty from the media — the occasion’s significance actually hit me. How loopy that Pax and I had been among the many few fortunate folks to have a good time the birthday of the world’s oldest canine!
But, the environment was fantastically easy and unpretentious. Even the media personnel, typically identified for his or her intrusive presence, seamlessly blended in.
The simplicity of the day was such a pleasing shock.
Amidst a world the place grandeur typically overshadows authenticity, this occasion was completely different. Possibly Bobi, Leonel, and Donna Maria’s power remodeled everybody. I am not sometimes a fan of massive gatherings, however this one felt very particular. Because the celebration rolled on, Bobi appeared to observe Pax steadily. Like a clever trainer insisting on his scholar studying the ropes, whereas Pax, the stressed pup, was busy sniffing out meals dropped from the grill.
Photograph credit score Dr. Karen BeckerBecause the day heated up, every so often, Bobi correctly retreated into the kitchen, the place he made his rounds to Rodney, Dr. Becker, and me as we sat on the kitchen ground. Every time, he acquired a bit therapeutic massage and a rub which he appeared to understand.
You might be questioning: What does Bobi eat? Does he see a vet? How lengthy is he anticipated to reside? Why is not he grey? Is he neutered? Is that this all true?
Some skeptics counsel Bobi is a hoax, however that is not the case. His age has been verified by telomere testing and a evaluation of his medical information by Guinness World Information.
As for his food plan, Bobi eats a mixture of uncooked and cooked meat and fish, mixed with primarily uncooked natural greens from the backyard. Leonel informed me they by no means purchase produce from the shop. As an alternative, all the things they want grows of their backyard, or if the neighbours are prepared to commerce!
To my shock, Bobi additionally eats cooked onions with none ailing results, even if we have all been informed that it may possibly trigger hemolytic anemia in canines. Effectively, go determine!
Vet care and no grey hair?
Bobi does have a number of vets taking care of him. He was in glorious well being; sadly, he was handled with Bravecto a number of years in the past on account of fleas, and that’s when his head tilt appeared.
As to why Bobi is not grey, he possible carries a gene that stops graying. His longevity is almost definitely a mixture of wholesome meals, loads of social interplay, and good genes.
Regardless of all this, Leonel and his mom, Donna Maria, remained affected person, protecting, and clear about their boundaries.
On Sunday, I talked to Leonel about how unprepared he feels for when Bobi will not be round anymore. I perceive him properly and know that you just, my expensive readers, do too.
Leonel’s openness touched me. We’re all fearful of the second our canines will not be with us anymore. All we are able to do is preserve looking for, researching, and discussing methods to lengthen their wholesome lives.
I love Leonel as a result of, regardless of his and Bobi’s fame, he lives a easy life in his humble farmhouse in a small village in Portugal. His openness and hospitality to us and others are undoubtedly real and honest.
Earlier than leaving, we mentioned Bobi’s care, significantly his mobility and a small open development by his rear finish. I instructed growing his Omega-3 consumption and shared my expertise with pure wound care.
After my return from Portugal, I used to be moved by your responses to Bobi’s story. Establishing a “Bobi and Leonel’s Gratitude Fund” appeared the right method to present our appreciation. Nevertheless, life has a approach of peculiar us.
Simply after I launched the fundraiser on GoFundMe, I spoke to Leonel, Bobi’s proprietor, who graciously insisted that he wouldn’t settle for any cash regardless of appreciating the gesture. He would not need folks to suppose their extraordinary bond might be tied to any type of monetary achieve.
And whereas it saddens me that our Neighborhood cannot specific gratitude this manner, I deeply respect Leonel’s resolution, closed the marketing campaign and can refund the cash to the donors.
Whereas this will look like a setback, it’s nonetheless a chance to have a good time Bobi’s life. We’ve realized invaluable classes about his care and pure food plan and had been touched by their unbelievable bond.
ANOTHER WAY TO CELEBRATE!
In honor of Bobi’s extraordinary life, I’ve determined to make each tenth order ending with the quantity 7 on our web site at peterdobias.com FREE by receiving a present card within the worth of your order.
This supply applies to new orders solely, and repeated orders or refunds don’t qualify for this occasion. For those who’re a winner, you will discover out immediately on the time of buy! Please enable us 3 enterprise days to award you with the reward card. This particular ends on Monday, Could 22, 2023.
My supply right here is not nearly making somebody’s day with a free order; it is about spreading the love and making a optimistic ripple impact to have a good time all canines!
Wishing you a lot extra heartwarming adventures collectively!
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Peter Dobias