What Pax and I discovered spending two days with the 31-year-old canine, Bobi
I wakened unusually early at this time, compelled by a unprecedented story I needed to share. It is about spending two days with the oldest canine on the earth, Bobi, and his exceptional household.
Once I acquired the invitation to attend the birthday celebration of the world’s oldest canine, I used to be initially a bit unsure. I had beforehand dedicated to visiting my good friend 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, full of pleasure and anticipation. I had no concept what to anticipate. I solely knew I’d be a part of my expensive mates, 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 via fresh-cut grass and fragrant rosemary branches that Bobi’s dad, Leonel, unfold round. The scent was beautiful.
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 move between them as if Bobi stated: “I’m able to move on all I’ve discovered to you to be able to share my knowledge additional.”
Pax is now 4 years outdated, which implies Bobi has lived virtually eight occasions so long as him!
Earlier than the official birthday occasion started, they handled us to a conventional Portuguese lunch with darkish bread, contemporary salad, Dorado, and sardines barbecued to perfection. A refreshing fruit salad made from orange, peach, and cantaloupe melon accomplished the meal.
As the opposite visitors started to reach — a gaggle of roughly 100 folks, together with eighty from the media — the occasion’s significance really hit me. How loopy that Pax and I have been among the many few fortunate folks to rejoice the birthday of the world’s oldest canine!
But, the environment was superbly 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 nice shock.
Amidst a world the place grandeur typically overshadows authenticity, this occasion was totally different. Perhaps Bobi, Leonel, and Donna Maria’s power reworked everybody. I am not usually a fan of massive gatherings, however this one felt very particular. Because the celebration rolled on, Bobi appeared to observe Pax ceaselessly. Like a clever instructor insisting on his pupil studying the ropes, whereas Pax, the stressed pup, was busy sniffing out meals dropped from the grill.
Picture 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 obtained somewhat therapeutic massage and a rub which he appeared to understand.
Chances are you’ll be questioning now: 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 recommend Bobi is a hoax, however that is not the case. His age has been verified by telomere testing and a assessment of his medical information by Guinness World Data.
As for his weight loss plan, Bobi eats a mixture of uncooked and cooked meat and fish, mixed with primarily uncooked natural greens from the backyard. Leonel instructed me they by no means purchase produce from the shop. As a substitute, every part they want grows of their backyard, or if the neighbours are keen to commerce!
To my shock, Bobi additionally eats cooked onions with none unwell results, even though we have all been instructed 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 wonderful 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 probably carries a gene that stops graying. His longevity is almost certainly 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 effectively and know that you simply, my expensive readers, do too.
Leonel’s openness touched me. We’re all afraid of the second our canines will not be with us anymore. All we will do is preserve searching 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, notably his mobility and a small open development by his rear finish. I steered rising his Omega-3 consumption and shared my expertise with natural wound care.
After my return from Portugal, I used to be moved by your responses to Bobi’s story. Organising a “Bobi and Leonel’s Gratitude Fund” appeared the right solution to present our appreciation. Nevertheless, life has a approach of unusual us.
Simply once 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 does not need folks to suppose their extraordinary bond may very well be tied to any type of monetary achieve.
And whereas it saddens me that our Group cannot specific gratitude this fashion, I deeply respect Leonel’s choice, closed the marketing campaign and can refund the cash to the donors.
Whereas this may increasingly look like a setback, it’s nonetheless a chance to rejoice Bobi’s life. We’ve discovered invaluable classes about his care and pure weight loss plan and have 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 provide applies to new orders solely, and repeated orders or refunds don’t qualify for this occasion. When you’re a winner, you may discover out immediately on the time of buy! Please enable us 3 enterprise days to award you with the present card. This particular ends on Monday, Might 22, 2023.
My provide 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 rejoice all canines!
Wishing you a lot extra heartwarming adventures collectively!
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Peter Dobias
