Party for world’s oldest dog

THERE was a big party held on Saturday May 13 in Portugal as the world’s oldest living dog celebrated his birthday.

Guinness World Records announced last week that Bobi turned the grand old age of 31, on May 11.

Bobi, Born on May 11, 1992, is officially the world’s oldest dog ever, a title held previously by an Aussie cattle dog named Bluey who lived to be 29 years old.

Bobi is a Portuguese Rafeiro do Alentejo breed and has lived all his life in the village of Conqueiros, Portugal.

Leonel Costa, who owns Bobi, confirmed it was a ‘very traditional’ Portuguese party, with even a dance troupe performing. Bobi, who does not eat dog food, was served locally­sourced fish and meat.

Over 100 guests were expected to attend, with many jetting from overseas for Bobi’s special day.

Leonel attributes Bobi’s old age to a life lived in a ‘calm, peaceful environ­ ment,’ where he has been free to roam without a chain or leash.

As with anyone of advanced years, Bobi struggles to walk nowadays, and owing to poor eyesight often bumps into things when he walks. After a meal, he always takes a snooze.

Betty Henderson

JEWISH organisations across the world have expressed their dismay over a jewel sale which took place on Wednesday, May 10. The extraordinary collection of jewels, valued at a staggering €137 million, once belonged to the late billionaire, Heidi Horten.

The outrage stems from the murky origins of Horten’s husband’s fortune, which was amassed during the dark days of Nazi Germany. Helmut Horten, a German tycoon and former member of the Nazi party, acquired businesses from persecuted Jewish owners in 1930’s Germany.

Despite the unsettling associ­