World's oldest dog celebrates 31st birthday

WASHINGTON (TND) — The world's oldest dog recently celebrated turning 31 years old, according to Guinness World Records.

Bobi, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a breed of Portuguese dog, had a big birthday party at his home in the rural village of Conqueiros, where he has lived his entire life.

Local meats and fish were served to guests with extra for Bobi because he only eats human food.

His owner, Leonel Costa, said more than 100 people flew in from foreign countries for the special occasion.

Costa has owned several old-aged dogs in the past including Bob's mother, Gira, who lived to 18.

Bobi's old age is credited to living in a “calm, peaceful environment."

“We see situations like this as a normal result of the life that they have, but Bobi is one of a kind," Costa said.

Throughout his life, he has freely roamed the forests around Costa's house but in his senior years, he finds it difficult to walk.

His eyesight has also gotten worse which means he often bumps into things when he walks.

Costa, now aged 38, was just eight when Bobi was born in 1992. In human years, that makes Bobi 217 years old.

He said for him, Bobi is a living reminder of the past.

“Bobi is special because looking at him is like remembering the people who were part of our family and unfortunately are no longer here, like my father, my brother, or my grandparents who have already left this world. Bobi represents those generations."