Bobbie the Wonder Dog: A True Story

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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. Officials from the Oregon Humane Society was skeptical at first, and launched an investigation into the Braziers' claims. By talking with people who claimed to have fed and sheltered Bobbie on his journey, the Humane Society was able to confirm that Bobbie had indeed traveled 2,550 miles, and perhaps more, in the dead of winter swimming across rivers and walking through deserts to return home. The society was even able to assemble a relatively precise description of the route Bobbie took. Richard, Terry (March 21, 2008). "Silverton wears its history on its walls". The Oregonian . Retrieved March 27, 2012. During his ordeal, he crossed at least 2,551 miles (4,105km) of plains, desert, and mountains in the winter to return home, an average of approximately 14 miles (23km) per day. After his return to Silverton, he experienced a meteoric rise to fame. His story drew national attention and was featured in numerous newspapers. [4] 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]

Those who heed the inner call and seek God, those who pray, believe, and walk the path the Savior has prepared—even if they stumble along the path at times—receive the consoling assurance that “all things shall work together for [their] good.” 7 But that’s not all! The olfactory bulb in a dog’s brain can be up to 40 times larger than ours, making them incredibly efficient at processing odors. His work has always advanced on this important principle: “Out of small things proceedeth that which is great.” 11 These receptors are the cells that detect airborne odor molecules as they enter a dog’s nasal cavity. More receptors mean a heightened sense of smell.

Bobbie’s astonishing journey reaches its final stretch as he enters the dense forests of the Blue Mountains in eastern Oregon, taking him through Malheur National Forest. Every step brings new challenges! 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 In 1923, Bobbie joined Frank and Elizabeth Brazier for a cross-country drive from Silverton, Oregon, to Indiana, Frank's home state, where they planned to visit family. During a stop in Indiana, Bobbie was chased off by loose dogs, and after a week of searching and placing newspaper ads, the broken-hearted Braziers had to give up and start the drive home. The Braziers widened their search. They scoured the town by car and foot. Flyers were posted around town, and ads were placed in the local newspaper. Calls were made to nearby businesses asking if anyone had spotted Bobbie. Six months later, the family was stunned to find Bobbie on their doorstep in Oregon. “Mangy, scrawny, feet worn to the bone—[he] appeared to have walked the entire distance … by himself.” 1 Bobbie’s story captured the imagination of people across the United States, and he became known as Bobbie the Wonder Dog.

During his ordeal he crossed 2,551 miles (4,105 km) of plain, desert and mountains in the winter to return home, an average of approximately 14 miles (23 km) per day. 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 played himself in the 1924 silent film The Call of the West. 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 in Portland. A week later, Rin Tin Tin laid a wreath at his grave. His grave is sheltered by a "fancy white and red dog house" received during a promotional appearance at the Portland Home Show. The gravestone has been moved outside the house for better viewing. (From Wiki) Bobbie faced three options to cross this formidable river: swimming, using a bridge, or taking a ferry.But first, he had to navigate the treacherous canyon itself, descending its steep walls just to reach the river’s edge. The upset of Bobbie's loss is soon relieved by the inside story of Bobbie's adventures as he attempts to find his way home to Oregon. Despite dangers and some hospitality along his route, "there was no stopping Bobbie." Of course, he eventually finds his way home to the Brazier family, and the joy is boundless. Officials from the Oregon Humane Society, amazed yet skeptical at the sheer magnitude of his feat, decided to investigate these claims. Not only did the accounts allow them to piece together a fairly accurate map of Bobbie’s expedition, they ultimately confirmed that he had indeed walked the entire 2,500 mile trip home. His approximate route took him over plains, through deserts, and across the Continental Divide during the bitterest months of winter. Homeward BoundI testify that when we embark upon or continue the incredible journey that leads to God, our lives will be better. Alexander, Charles D. (1966) [1926]. Bobbie, a Great Collie. New York: Dodd, Mead and Company. OCLC 1417264. Bobbie the Wonder Dog perches on the trunk of the Braziers' touring car in Silverton. Photo: Offbeat Oregon