In this series, we will get to know famous dog personalities. Dogs, after all, play an important role in our life, so let us take a look what have they already managed to achieve during the time of us living together. Bobbie walked an incredible 4000 kilometres to return to his family.
Bobbie was a crossbreed of a collie and an Australian Shepherd. He lived with his family in the town of Silverton in Oregon. In 1923, when he was two years old, the family went on a trip to Indiana and took him along. But he got lost there. Despite the family looking hard for him, they came back home without him, filled with sorrow, thinking, that they were never going to see their dog again.
However, after six months, the impossible came true: Bobbie appeared on the doorstep of their home. Dirty and emaciated, with the paws worn-out, but alive. He showed all the sings, that for the whole way – that is 4,105 km across plains, deserts and mountains in winter – he walked without any help. That is 23 km a day on average.
After his return to Silverton, Bobbie’s fame grew with rocket speed. His story became a subject matter of a number of newspaper articles (including the Ripley’s Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction), books and films. He even played himself in 1924 in the silent film The Call of the West. He got many letters from people from the whole world and he even received several awards such as a diamond-studded collar, ribbons or keys of towns.
Bobbie died in 1927 and he was buried with honours on the animal graveyard called Oregon Humane Society's pet cemetery in Portland. A wreath was laid on his grave even by Rin Tin Tin, the dog film star.
Until today, Bobbie’s example of loyalty is celebrated during the annual children’s parade of pets in Portland. It serves as a reminder of the fact that pets have a special place in the lives of people. This event was started several years after Bobbie’s death and the first parade was led by his son Pal. In Silverton, you can also find a 21-meters-long painting which decorates walls of several enterprises and which depicts Bobbie’s story.
By the end of 2012, a civic society of the citizens of the town of Silverton was established, which advocates the opinion that Bobbie’s funeral didn’t successfully honour his story and his connection with his home town. This society started to ask for the return of his remains to Silverton for a funeral and memorialisation.
It is incredible, what some dogs are capable of enduring for their family – pack. We can only wish, that their loyalty is reciprocated to the same degree.
If you’re thinking about starting canistherapy with your four-legged friend, but you don’t know whether you would manage, here you will find a brief overview of the characteristics your dog is supposed to have and what he should all know.
Dermatological problems are one of the most frequent reasons of veterinary visits. Cats often suffer from them as well. A skin problem may appear due to several reasons and you may not notice it immediately. Also because of the time that cats devote to...
Toxocariasis is the most frequent parasitosis in dogs and cats. If we want to keep both ourselves and our pets safe, regular deworming is necessary. Do you know what’s behind this disease and how it’s transmitted?
If you’re thinking about getting a rabbit, maybe you will find handy a bit of advice how to house him at home. A rabbit has certain needs as any other animal and it’s up to us, the owners, to make its life as comfortable as possible.
Holiday time is approaching fast and maybe you’re considering where to go with your four-legged friend. If you’d like to go camping, there are certainly many things you should consider. You have to plan and pack not only for yourself, but also for your...
Zoonoses are diseases common to both animals and humans. Are you interested in how such a disease can be transmitted, which ones are we at risk of in the Czech Republic or how to defend against them?
Guinea pigs are one of the most common pets that parents get for their children. They are considerably less demanding to take care of than cats or dogs. They stand out among rodents because of their sociable nature, willingness to snuggle and they are...
I have already written about dogs and how they (don’t) feel pain. So let’s look at cats. It is often not very simple to recognize. But the early recognition of the problem is important for their health and well-being.
Last time, I explained that allergy to fur as such does not exist. I wrote about allergens, the symptoms of allergy and the breeds that are hypoallergenic. Today, I will share with you how to cope with the allergy without giving your pet away.
Did you know that the concept of "allergy to fur" is actually a nonsense? The hair itself are not the only allergens. So what exactly is the person allergic to if he/she is allergic to dogs/cats and does he/she have to get rid of the animal immediately...
No matter that the surgery is minor, each brings certain risks. It is also a mental and physical burden for the animal. I wrote down several tips how you can eliminate the risks and the burden as much as possible.
This is really what this sport is about – herding balloons. The aim is the same as for herding sheep, get all the balls into the gate. And do not be mistaken, treiball is not only for herding dogs. You can do this sport with dogs of any race, size and...
