Bobbie the Wonder Dog: A True Story

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Bobbie’s story was featured in Riply’s Believe It or Not, and he eventually starred in his own autobiographical silent film “The Call of the West” (just as canine actors were coming into vogue). Bobbie would go on to sire a litter of 15 puppies – all boys. Bobbie's story was featured in "Ripley's Believe It or Not" and Bobbie, a Great Collie, by Charles Alexander. Bobbie played himself in the silent film The Call of the West, a reel of which is in the archives of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library.

In 1923, something extraordinary happened.The Brazier family set off on a trip to Wolcott, Indiana, accompanied by their faithful collie mix, Bobbie. The width of Snake River varies dramatically, from a few hundred feet to over a mile wide!Swimming across this unpredictable body of water would’ve been a Herculean task. Sure, parts of the river can freeze during winter, but it’s rare to see the entire expanse covered in ice. 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. [4] Death and legacy [ edit ] Bobbie the Wonder Dog(1921–1927) was a dog who covered 2,551 miles (4,105km) on his own to return home to Silverton, Oregon, United States, after he was lost while his owners were visiting family in Wolcott, Indiana. Ripley’sestimated the journey may have been as long as 3,000 miles (4,800km).On February 15, 1924 – exactly six months to the day he disappeared – Nova was working at the Reo Café in town when she spotted something that defied belief. It was Bobbie, walking down main street of Silverton. Though emaciated and filthy, it was undeniably him. Some might suppress this yearning and deaden their souls to its call. But those who do not quench this light within themselves can embark on an incredible journey—a wondrous migration toward heavenly climes. God Calls to You

Those who love and serve God and fellowmen and humbly and actively participate in His work will see wondrous things happen in their lives and in the lives of those they love. So, what’s left for our intrepid dog? Following his family’s scent, Bobbie likely found a bridge, ferry, or shallow crossing point.These options were not only more accessible but also safer for both Bobbie and his family, no matter the weather conditions.In February 1924, six months later, Bobbie returned to Silverton mangy, dirty, and scrawny, with his toenails worn down to nothing. Finally, in February 1924, thin, exhausted, and dirty, Bobbie reached Silverton, Oregon, and HOME! He had traveled for six months over 2,500 miles, covering approximately 14 miles a day! Frank, Elizabeth, Leona, and Nova were overjoyed, hugging and kissing Bobbie over and over. They fed him mounds of food and soaked him in warm baths, then covered him in warm blankets. Bobbie’s heart almost burst out of his chest in happiness! He had found his forever family and he was HOME! He slathered them with wet kisses, jumped on their laps, and raced around in happy circles. This was the best feeling in the world! Bobbie knew it then: there’s no place like home and he had found his! But this isn’t where the story ends.In fact, it’s just the beginning. Fast forward to February 1924, six months after Bobbie went missing, he miraculously reappeared in front of his family’s cafe in Oregon. The Savior extends His hand to you. And, as He did to those fishermen who stood long ago on the banks of the Sea of Galilee, with infinite love He speaks to you: “Come, follow me.” 2 Bobbie’s conjectured route was published alongside his story in the Feb. 24 edition of The Sunday Oregonian, a newspaper based out of Portland. It indicates that after leaving Wolcott, he ventured west through Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa. After reaching Lincoln, Nebraska, he pivoted slightly northwest, taking him through the Sandhills of central Nebraska to Cheyanne, Wyoming. From here he crossed the entire breadth of Wyoming state and made it to Pocatello, Idaho.

In February 1924, six months later, Bobbie returned to Silverton mangy, dirty, and scrawny, with his toenails worn down to nothing. 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. [3] You will experience the sublime fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, [and] faith.” 5 There were few rivers, streams, or ponds to quench Bobbie’s thirst, but they were few and far between. Prey might not have been abundant, forcing our canine adventurer to scavenge human food sources or hunt less familiar prey. We are, each one of us, “strangers and pilgrims” 14 in this world. In many ways, we are far from home. But that doesn’t mean we need to feel lost or alone. In the summer of 1923, Frank and Elizabeth Brazier departed Silverton, Oregon on a 2,500 mile road trip to visit relatives in Frank’s home state of Indiana. Accompanying them were their daughters Leona and Nova, as well as their two-year-old Scotch collie named Bobbie.And all dogs have an incredible sense of smell. They have anywhere from 220 million to 2 billion receptor cells in their nose versus the measly 12-40 million found in human noses. These scent receptors help them find prey, their neighborhoods, homes, and even their special humans. In all likelihood, the true total was much higher than 2,551 miles. Some estimates go as high as 3,000. Legacy and Death