Sao Paulo names new law after dog that stayed by owner's grave for 10 years

"A dog that remained beside his former owner's grave for 10 years has now given his name to a new state law allowing pets to be buried alongside their loved ones in Sao Paulo. The new law already being informally referred to as the Bob Coveiro (the Gravedigger) Law, in tribute to its inspiration was signed this week by the governor of Brazil's most populous state, the conservative Tarcisio de Freitas."

"Bob's former owner died in 2011. After her burial, the brown long-haired mixed-breed dog reportedly refused to leave her side at a cemetery in Taboao da Serra, a city of 285,000 inhabitants about 12 miles from the state capital, Sao Paulo. Relatives are said to have tried several times to take the dog away, but he always returned and was eventually adopted by cemetery staff, who provided him with a kennel and regularly fed, bathed and vaccinated him."

A dog named Bob remained beside his former owner's grave for 10 years in a cemetery in Taboao da Serra, near Sao Paulo. Bob reportedly refused to leave after his owner's burial in 2011 and was later adopted by cemetery staff who cared for him. Bob accompanied funeral processions, often carrying a small ball, and died in 2021 after being struck by a motorcycle. Local authorities allowed Bob to be buried beside his owner, and a statue with a plaque was installed in 2022 following a crowdfunding campaign. Sao Paulo's new law, informally called the Bob Coveiro Law, authorises dogs and cats to be buried in owners' family graves.

Read at www.theguardian.com