What Pax and I discovered spending two days
with the 31-year-old canine, Bobi
I awoke unusually early right now, compelled by a rare story I wished to share. It is about spending two days with the oldest canine on the planet, Bobi, and his outstanding 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 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, crammed with pleasure and anticipation. I had no concept what to anticipate. I solely knew I’d be part of my pricey associates, 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.
Coming into the farm gate, we walked by way of 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 mentioned: “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 previous, which suggests Bobi has lived virtually eight occasions so long as him!
Earlier than the official birthday occasion started, they handled us to a standard Portuguese lunch with darkish bread, recent salad, Dorado, and sardines barbecued to perfection. A refreshing fruit salad manufactured from orange, peach, and cantaloupe melon accomplished the meal.
As the opposite friends started to reach — a bunch of roughly 100 individuals, together with eighty from the media — the occasion’s significance actually hit me. How loopy that Pax and I have been among the many few fortunate individuals to have fun the birthday of the world’s oldest canine!
But, the ambiance 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 vitality remodeled everybody. I am not usually a fan of massive gatherings, however this one felt very particular. Because the celebration rolled on, Bobi appeared to comply with Pax often. 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.
Photograph credit score Dr. Karen BeckerBecause the day heated up, every now and then, Bobi correctly retreated into the kitchen, the place he made his rounds to Rodney, Dr. Becker, and me as we sat on the kitchen flooring. Every time, he received slightly therapeutic massage and a rub which he appeared to understand.
It’s possible you’ll be questioning: What does Bobi eat? Does he see a vet? How lengthy is he anticipated to stay? 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 overview of his medical data by Guinness World Information.
As for his weight loss program, Bobi eats a mixture of uncooked and cooked meat and fish, mixed with primarily uncooked natural greens from the backyard. Leonel advised me they by no means purchase produce from the shop. As a substitute, 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 sick results, even though we have all been advised that it will possibly trigger hemolytic anemia in canines. Properly, go determine!
Vet care and no grey hair?
Bobi does have just a few vets taking care of him. He was in wonderful well being; sadly, he was handled with Bravecto just a few 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 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 pricey readers, do too.
Leonel’s openness touched me. We’re all frightened of the second our canines will not be with us anymore. All we are able to do is preserve searching for, researching, and discussing methods to lengthen their wholesome lives.
I like 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 progress by his rear finish. I instructed 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 proper solution to present our appreciation. Nevertheless, life has a means of unusual 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 does not need individuals 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 categorical 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 fun Bobi’s life. We have now discovered invaluable classes about his care and pure weight loss program and have been touched by their unimaginable 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. When you’re a winner, you will discover out immediately on the time of buy! Please permit us 3 enterprise days to award you with the reward card. This particular ends on Monday, Might 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 constructive ripple impact to have fun all canines!
Wishing you a lot extra heartwarming adventures collectively!
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Peter Dobias
