Bobbie the Wonder Dog: A True Story

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Coyotes and bobcats roamed the Great Plains, meaning Bobbie had to stay vigilant and defend himself at every turn. But wait, there’s more! Officials from the Oregon Humane Society launched an investigation into the Braziers' claims and were able to confirm that Bobbie had indeed traveled 2,800 miles in the dead of winter to return home. While that may be true, we don’t really know what it was like to live in that time, in those circumstances. No, they were not perfect, but how encouraging it is to know that God was able to use them anyway. He knew their strengths and weaknesses, and He gave them the extraordinary opportunity to contribute a verse or a melody to the glorious anthem of the Restoration. 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.

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. The moment of Bobbie’s return home felt like a scene straight out of a movie. On a February day in 1924, just 6 months after Bobbie went missing, one of the Brazier daughters stepped out of their family cafe in Silverton, Oregon. When Bobbie died, he was buried in Portland, Oregon, by the Oregon Humane Society. Rin Tin-Tin was there to lay a wreath at his funeral, which was officiated by the mayor of Portland.

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!

Bob was an average-looking collie puppy in every way, except for his bobbed tail . . . and maybe that's why the Brazier family named him Bob, or Bobbie. Richard, Terry (March 21, 2008). "Silverton wears its history on its walls". The Oregonian . Retrieved March 27, 2012. As they prepared for their journey home, stopping at a gas station, Bobbie was suddenly ambushed by 3 aggressive local dogs.With no other choice, Bobbie made a last-ditch effort to escape, disappearing into the distance.

The plains did host a variety of wildlife, but catching prey was no easy task.Bobbie would’ve needed to hunt rabbits, hares, and rodents to survive, a far cry from the daily meals provided by his loving family. And let’s not forget the predators. What she saw on the street was nothing short of a miracle. It was Bobbie, exhausted, hungry, with matted fur, full of debris, and roughed up paws. Bobbie died in 1927. Doctors suggested that his early demise was as a result of the strain of his journey catching up with him. He was buried at the Humane Society’s pet cemetery in Portland. Rin Tin Tin, a German shepherd who was a Hollywood film star, later laid a wreath at his grave. God knows your every thought, your sorrows, and your greatest hopes. God knows the many times you have sought Him. The many times you have felt limitless joy. The many times you have wept in loneliness. The many times you have felt helpless, confused, or angry. No matter your position in your community or in the Church, God will use you, if you are willing. He will magnify your righteous desires and turn the compassionate actions you sow into a bountiful harvest of goodness. We Can’t Get There on Autopilot

Bobbie the Wonder Dog perches on the trunk of the Braziers' touring car in Silverton. Photo: Offbeat Oregon Bobbie’s journey had taken a dire toll on his health, however. He survived for just three more years before dying in 1927. He was buried with full honors at the Oregon Human Society’s pet cemetery in Portland. The eulogy was delivered by the city’s mayor, and more than 200 people attended the funeral. A week later, celebrity canine Rin Tin Tin laid a wreathe on his grave. Bobbie’s resting place is sheltered by his very own doghouse, though his headstone has since been moved outside of the house for better viewing. He was the subject of newspaper articles including Ripley's Believe It or Not!, books, and film. [3] [2] Bobbie played himself in the 1924 silent film The Call of the West. [3] [5] 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. [3] This does not mean that our lives will be free from sorrow. We all know of faithful followers of Christ who suffer tragedy and injustice—Jesus Christ Himself suffered more than anyone. Just as God makes the “sun to rise on the evil and on the good,” He also allows adversity to test the just and the unjust. 4 In fact, sometimes it seems that our lives are more difficult because we are trying to live our faith. Recently, as we met with President Thomas S. Monson, he expressed, with great solemnity and a countenance of happiness, how much he loves the Lord and that he knows that the Lord loves him. My dear brothers and sisters, I know that President Monson is very grateful for your love, your prayers, and your dedication to the Lord and His great gospel. Bobbie the Wonder DogWhen you walk the path of discipleship—when you move toward Heavenly Father—there is something within you that will confirm that you have heard the call of the Savior and set your heart toward the light. It will tell you that you are on the right path and that you are returning home. 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. 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. Nearly a century ago, a family from Oregon was vacationing in Indiana—over 2,000 miles (3,200 km) away—when they lost their beloved dog, Bobbie. The frantic family searched for the dog everywhere but to no avail. Bobbie could not be found. When writing to the Saints in Corinth, the Apostle Paul observed that not many of them would be considered wise by worldly standards. But that didn’t matter, because “God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” 12