Unlike human beings, many animals are renowned for their keen sense of direction. Insects such as the monarch butterfly, fish such as salmon and birds such as the stern regularly travel thousands of miles to return to their breeding ground. It is believed that animals use a wide range of navigational tools such as the earth’s magnetic field, the position of the sun and the stars, olfaction and echolocation to navigate great distances.
Over the years, man’s best friend, dogs have joined other animals such as turtles, birds, cats and insects in amazing researchers with their ability to travel great distances to reach places they have been before.
Perhaps the most famous story of a dog achieving this is the story of Bobbie “The Wonder Dog”.
In August 1923, the Brazier family were visiting relatives in Wolcott, Indiana. On this trip they brought along their two-year-old Scotch Collie/English Shepherd
While on the trip Bobbie was attacked by three other dogs and ran away. The Brazier family searched extensively for Bobbie, but unfortunately were unable to find him. Eventually, the Brazier family, deeply saddened, returned home to Oregon expecting never to see their dog again.
Six months later, in Feb 1924, Bobbie returned to Silverton, Oregon. The dog was filthy and had lost significant weight during his journey. His toenails were worn down to nothing.
Bobbie showed all the signs of having walked the entire distance, and amazingly it reasons he must have swum across wide rivers and crossed the Continental Divide during the coldest part of winter.
It is estimated he crossed at least 2,551 miles (4,105 km) of plains, desert, and mountains during the winter to return home. Over the six-month period, Bobbie traveled an average of about 14 miles per day. Astonished and overjoyed, the family could not believe he was there.
Upon his return to Silverton, Bobbie experienced a meteoric rise to fame. His story drew national attention and was featured in numerous newspapers.
As word spread, people came forward who had fed and sheltered Bobbie on his journey. They wrote the family to talk about their time with Bobbie. As such, The Humane Society of Portland was able to compile these stories for a fairly precise description of the route Bobbie took.
It is believed that after some time, Bobbie was able to pick up their scent and follow them back.
There are many stories like Bobbie’s, of dogs traveling great distances to return home. While most dog experts attribute this to dog’s hypersensitive smell abilities, one has to wonder what other markers they might use.
Bobbie died at just six years old in 1927. It is believed that the journey shortened his life. Still, although he died young, at least he was able to spend his remaining years with his family.
Bobbie is buried today at the Oregon Humane Society’s pet cemetery in Portland, Oregon
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