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Bobbie was once a stray dog wandering the streets of Nome, Alaska. She was a common sight in the town, often seen rummaging through trash cans for food.
Bobbie's life took a dramatic turn when she was adopted by a local resident. This marked the beginning of her journey as a hero dog.
With her newfound home and family, Bobbie's natural instinct to help others began to shine through. She proved to be an invaluable companion and helper.
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Bobbie's Story
Bobbie, a loyal and determined dog, made headlines in 1924 after an incredible 2,551-mile journey home to Silverton, mangy, dirty, and scrawny, but triumphant.
He showed all the signs of having walked the entire distance, including swimming rivers and crossing the Continental Divide during the coldest part of winter.
During his ordeal, he crossed at least 2,551 miles of plains, desert, and mountains in the winter to return home, an average of approximately 14 miles per day.
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After his return to Silverton, Bobbie experienced a meteoric rise to fame, drawing national attention and being featured in numerous newspapers.
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.
People who had fed and sheltered Bobbie on his journey wrote the family to tell about their time with Bobbie, helping the Humane Society of Portland assemble a relatively precise description of the route Bobbie took.
The Humane Society concluded that Bobbie initially followed his owners' further travels into northeast Indiana, then struck out in several directions, seeking their scent, before eventually heading west.
Background
In August 1923, Frank and Elizabeth Brazier, with their daughters Leona and Nova, were visiting relatives in Wolcott, Indiana.
Their two-year-old Scotch Collie/English Shepherd mix dog Bobbie was attacked by three other dogs and ran away.
The heartbroken Brazier family conducted an exhaustive search for Bobbie but were unable to find him.
They continued their trip before returning home to Oregon, expecting never to see their dog again.
Journey Home
Bobbie's journey home was a testament to his determination and endurance. He traveled at least 2,551 miles of plains, desert, and mountains in the winter.
Bobbie's average daily distance was approximately 14 miles. This is an incredible feat, especially considering the harsh winter conditions he faced.
After six months away from home, Bobbie returned to Silverton in February 1924. He was mangy, dirty, and scrawny, with his toenails worn down to nothing.
Bobbie's story drew national attention and was featured in numerous newspapers. He was even the subject of a 1924 silent film, The Call of the West.
People who had fed and sheltered Bobbie on his journey wrote to the Brazier family to tell about their time with him. This helped the Humane Society of Portland assemble a relatively precise description of the route Bobbie took.
Bobbie initially followed his owners' further travels into northeast Indiana after returning to Wolcott. He then struck out in several directions, apparently seeking their scent.
In Portland, an Irish woman took care of Bobbie for a period of time, helping him recover from serious injuries to his legs and paws.
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The Dog's Achievements
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Bobbie's incredible journey earned him numerous accolades. He received medals for his remarkable feat.
Bobbie was also presented with keys to cities, a testament to his heroism. The attention he received was overwhelming, with over 40,000 people coming to see him at the Portland Home Show.
Bobbie was the guest of honor at the Portland Home Show, where he was presented with his own dog-sized bungalow. This was a fitting reward for a dog who had traveled 2,800 miles to return home.
Here are some of the notable awards and recognitions Bobbie received:
- Medals
- Keys to cities
- Jewel-studded harness and collar
The Wonder Dog
Bobbie the Wonder Dog is a legendary canine hero who made headlines in 1924 for his incredible journey. He traveled 2,800 miles from Indiana to Silverton, Oregon, in the dead of winter.
Bobbie's incredible feat was confirmed by officials from the Oregon Humane Society, who launched an investigation into his claims. They verified that he had indeed walked the entire distance to return home.
The local paper, the Silverton Appeal, published the story of Bobbie's cross-country trek, and it quickly spread to newspapers across the country. Hundreds of people wrote to the Braziers, simply addressed to "Bobbie, the Wonder Dog" or "Silverton's Bobbie."
Bobbie received numerous awards and accolades for his bravery, including medals, keys to cities, and a jewel-studded harness and collar. He was also the guest of honor at the Portland Home Show, where over 40,000 people came to view him.
Here are some of the notable awards and recognition Bobbie received:
- Medals
- Keys to cities
- Jewel-studded harness and collar
Bobbie's story was even featured in a silent film, The Call of the West, where he played himself. Upon his death in 1927, he was buried with honors at the Oregon Humane Society, with a eulogy given by Portland Mayor George Baker.
Dog Walks 2,500 Miles Home
Bobbie the Wonder Dog's incredible journey home is a testament to his determination and endurance. He walked an astonishing 2,551 miles (4,105 km) through plains, desert, and mountains in the winter to return to his home in Silverton.
The sheer distance he covered is mind-boggling, averaging around 14 miles (23 km) per day. His journey was not without its challenges, as he had to swim rivers and cross the Continental Divide during the coldest part of winter.
Bobbie's journey was not a solo effort, as he received help and shelter from numerous people along the way. In Portland, an Irish woman took care of him for a period of time, helping him recover from serious injuries to his legs and paws.
The route Bobbie took was pieced together by the Humane Society of Portland, who received letters from people who had fed and sheltered him on his journey. They were able to assemble a relatively precise description of the route he took.
Here's a breakdown of the key facts about Bobbie's journey:
- Distance: 2,551 miles (4,105 km)
- Average daily distance: 14 miles (23 km)
- Time of year: Winter
- Challenges: Swimming rivers, crossing the Continental Divide
- Help received: Shelter and care from numerous people
Bobbie's incredible journey home was a national sensation, drawing attention from newspapers, books, and film. He even played himself in the 1924 silent film "The Call of the West."
Legacy and Impact
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Bobbie's legacy extends far beyond her time as a beloved family pet. She was a constant companion to her owner, who was a war veteran.
Bobbie's impact on her owner's life was immense, helping him cope with the trauma of war. Her presence brought comfort and joy.
As a therapy dog, Bobbie spent countless hours visiting veterans and their families. Her calm demeanor and affectionate nature made her a perfect fit for this role.
Bobbie's service to her community will not be forgotten. Her owner continues to honor her memory by volunteering with therapy dog organizations.
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Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobbie_the_Wonder_Dog
- https://triciabrownbooks.com/alaska-books-for-kids/bobbie-the-wonder-dog/
- https://kids.kiddle.co/Bobbie_the_Wonder_Dog
- https://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/bobbie_the_wonder_dog/
- https://www.amusingplanet.com/2021/08/bobbie-wonder-dog-who-walked-2500-miles.html
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