| Bobbie | |
|---|---|
| Species | Dog |
| Breed | Collie mix |
| Sex | Male |
| Born | 1921 |
| Died | 1927 |
| Resting place | Oregon Humane Society |
| Nation from | American |
| Known for | Traveling over 2,800 miles across the United States |
Bobbie the Wonder Dog (1921–1927) was a dog from the U.S. state of Oregon who became famous for traveling 2,800 miles to return to his owners in the city of Silverton. He is sometimes referred to as Silverton Bobbie.
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In 1923, while on a family road trip in Indiana, Bobbie—a two-year old Scotch Collie/English Shepherd mix—was separated from his owners and lost. After an exhaustive search the broken-hearted family returned to their home in Oregon never expecting to see their beloved dog again. Six months later, Bobbie appeared on their doorstep mangy and scrawny with feet worn to the bone; he showed all the signs of having walked the entire way back alone.[1]
During his ordeal he crossed 2,800 miles of plain, desert and mountains in the dead of winter to return home. After his return to Silverton, he experienced a meteoric rise to fame. He was the subject of newspaper articles including Ripley's Believe It or Not!, books and film.[1] He received hundreds of letters from people around the world and was honored with a jewel-studded harness and collar, ribbons and keys to cities.[1]
Upon his death in 1927, he was buried with honors at the Oregon Humane Society’s pet cemetery. A week later Rin Tin Tin laid a wreath at his grave.[1]
Bobbie's demonstration of loyalty is celebrated during Silverton's annual children's pet parade that serves as a reminder of the special place animals and pets have in people's lives. This annual event was started several years after Bobbie's death and the first parade was led by his son, Pal.[2]
Silverton Bobbie's story was commemorated in a panel of Ripley's Believe It or Not.[3]