Bobbie, the Wonder Dog

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.

History

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.

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. Bobbie gained fans throughout the world and earned himself the title of "Wonder Dog".

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.

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.

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.

Further reading

*"Bobbie, a Great Collie" by Charles D. Alexander
*"Wonder Dog, the Story of Silverton Bobbie" by Susan Stelljes
*"Silverton's Bobbie" by Judith Kent
*Additional reference material and photographs available at the Oregon Historical Society, Portland, Oregon.Fact|date=August 2007

References

External links

* [http://silvertonor.com/murals/bobbie/bobbie_wonder_dog2.htm Bobbie—The Wonder Dog Of Oregon By G. F. Brazier, Silverton, Oregon] from "Animal Pals", edited By Curtis Wager-Smith, 1924, Macrae Smith Company, Philadelphia