The world's oldest dog has died aged 31 – just a short while after its owners held a huge birthday party for the record-setting pet.
Bobi, a Portuguese mastiff who never left the family-run farm in the rural village of Conqueiros, Portugal, broke a long-standing world record. The previous record holder, Bluey, had lived 29 years and five months when it died in 1939.
The family who owned Bobi confirmed the sad news and paid tribute to the longest-living dog, with Dr Karen Becker releasing a statement following the death.
READ MORE: Bloke who spent £12.5k to 'become dog' shocks people as he's hauled around city in buggy
For news on record-breaking dogs and wild animal interactions from around the world, click here.
Tributes from fans flooded in after Dr Becker confirmed Bobi had "earned his wings" after "11,478 days". Karen had met the world-record holder shortly after Bobi was deemed the world's oldest dog.
Her tribute read: "Last night, this sweet boy earned his wings. Despite outliving every dog in history, his 11,478 days on earth would never be enough, for those who loved him. Godspeed, Bobi… you’ve taught the world all you were meant to teach."
Leonel Costa, Bobi's official owner, is yet to comment on the passing of their pet. A birthday bash for Bobi was held on May 11, where over 100 guests appeared, The Sun reported.
Bobi had feasted on human foods for hiswhole life, with his party sourcing local fish and meats for the occasion. When Bobi turned 31, Leonel, who found the dog when he was eight, said: "Bobi has been a warrior for all these years, only he knows how he's been holding on.
"It must not be easy because the average dog's life span is not that high and if he spoke only he could explain this success. We are very happy and grateful to life for allowing us, after 30 years, to have Bobi in our daily lives."
Explaining his thoughts on how Bobi had lived such a long life, Leonel put it down to "calm, peaceful environment he lives in, his diet of human food and his freedom".
Bobi was registered with the Veterinary Medical Service of the Municipality of Leiria in 1992, which confirmed Bobi's birth date. The SIAC, a pet database with Portuguese government authorisation, has also confirmed the date of birth.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.
Source: Read Full Article