My soaring pedigree chum: The 'flying' dogs competing to keep a frisbee in the air for as long as possible

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Got it! This furry competitor clasps his paws around the disc, leaping over the heads of a woman and girl


They're at the top of their game. Fit and focused, they show the same grit and determination as any other athlete with their eye on the prize.

But these are no ordinary athletes. While it might seem barking to some, these are the furry competitors of the Skyhoundz Disc Dog European Championship in Budapest

Hounds from all over Europe descended on the Hungarian tournament to show off their finely-tuned skills in the sport known as 'disc dog' which is played alongside their owners.


Man's best friend: German competitors Jergen Bartz and his dog Summi compete in the Skyhoundz Disc Dog European Championship in Budapest


In what looks like a complicated move, a border collie jumps over two human competitors to catch the frisbee


Disc dog - of frisbee dog - is described by enthusiasts as a sport celebrating the bond between handler and canine and involves thedog and its handler keeping the frisbee in the air for as long as possible.

It began in the early 1970s, and sees both dog and human working together as team mates to keep the disc in the air for as long as possible.

According to enthusiasts of the sport, it can handlers a while to get the animals to understand the concept of the game as most dog might not instinctively know to turn and chase a disc thrown over its head.

Handlers training hounds for competition start by throwing the disc straight to the dog over short distances.

Once the animal has learned how to catch handlers teach them the concept of running for the disc.


Team work: Krisztina Herberling of Hungary and her dog Roni. Hounds from all over Europe descended on the Hungarian tournament


Taking the lead: Eva Nagy, of Hungary, with her dog Babu and Jergen Bartz with Summi


Flying through the air: A border collie leaps over its owner as it reaches for the frisbee


Further on in the training, the disc should be thrown at increasing heights to encourage the dog to leap higher to catch it.

It's only once the dog has mastered these moves that it will instinctively follow the disc wherever it goes, meaning it has the skills to be capable of competing.
The handler can then enter the dog in a number of categories, which include 'toss and fetch' and freestyle.

In competition categories, dogs chase multiple discs in short routines choreographed to music.

Skyhoundz staged its first ever World Canine Disc Championship in 2000 and is now the largest disco dog competition series in the world, with more than 100 free local events held in the United States and other countries, including the European championships.


Gotcha: Hungary's Zsuzsanna Varga and her dog Alex compete. The sport is described by enthusiasts as a celebration of the bond between human and canine


Acrobatic: The dogs show off their finely-tuned skills in the sport which is played alongside their owners



Eye on the prize: The dogs must master routine manouevres to ensure the grasp the concept of the game


Skyhoundz Worlds 2009 / Christina Weiß & Ronja



source :dailymail

Tragedy at the Queen's Salute: Horse has to be put down in front of shocked crowd after being run over by a gun carriage in Hyde Park

By REBECCA ENGLISH


Behind the foreground rider the horse can be seen as it falls and entangles its legs in the wheels of the gun carriage


Members of the public looked on in horror today as an army horse died on parade during a freak accident in London’s Hyde Park.

The animal, called Murphy, was taking part in the Royal Gun Salute which takes place on June 2 each year to mark the coronation of the Queen.

Soldiers from the King’s Troop were lining up when the horse tripped while galloping and his legs became entangled in the wheels of a gun wagon, which then dragged him across the grass.


Soldiers rush to disentangle the fallen horse


Realising the animal is bady hurt, a soldier dashes off to find expert help


As he fell, Murphy suffered a ‘complex fracture’ of his leg and after being examined by an on-site vet was immediately put down by injection.

Devastated soldiers erected a green tent around the animal to shield onlookers from the distressing scene which took place shortly before mid-day.

An army spokesman told Mail Online: ‘Unfortunately the horse, called Murphy, became entangled in the gun carriage which was being moved into position and very sadly broke its leg.


A soldier looks up as he realises the severity of the animal's injury


Distraught, a horseman buries his face in his hands


'The vet officer in place immediately gave him pain relief but it was a very complex fracture and the only course of action was to put him down by injection. It was really the only course of action.

‘Everyone involved was naturally distressed. Murphy had been with the regiment for a very long time.

‘It was a tragic accident, one of those split second things that happen and he went down straight away.

‘It is very rare, though, that something like his should happen. No-one can remember anything like this happening before.’


n a shot taken from the watching spectators, soldiers from the King's Troop erect a barrier around the horse as a vet gives it a lethal injection


The salute, to mark the 59th anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne, was cancelled as a mark of respect.


Horse injury cancels Queen's 41-gun salute



source: dailymail

Doggone it, they grow up quickly! Video of puppy growing to adult in 40 seconds becomes cute YouTube hit

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Happy birthday: Dunder the German Shepherd reaches one, having been photographed from eight-weeks old


This short video shows a dog growing from eight-weeks old to one-year old in only 40 seconds.

The YouTube clip shows pictures on the same spot of Dunder the German Shepherd over a period of ten months and has become an Internet sensation.

The time lapse video was uploaded on May 19 and has already attracted nearly 700,000 hits.


Tiny: As a puppy Dunder is so small (and the floor is clean) - this is the beginning of the series of pictures


In the video Dunder is shown as a tiny puppy obediently looking at a camera on what looks like a family kitchen floor.

As the video filters though more pictures as he grows up the floor become more and more dirty.

But Dunder is growing quickly and the days of him as a cute puppy are soon gone.

Occasionally children's feet and even another dog can be seen in the images, which become increasingly more humorous as time goes on.


A bit bigger: The German Shepherd is shown with his tongue out, but still looks a little unsteady on his feet


Bigger dog: Looking firmly at the camera Dunder gets taller and stronger all the time


Big dog: As Dunder approaches his first birthday he begins to look more like an adult dog


The dog can be seen wearing various items of clothing, too, and when his birthday comes around the photographer holds up the number one and Dunder poses with a birthday hat on his head.

One YouTube poster called Dupalle said: 'I just can't decide wether (sic) this is more awesome, cute or funny!!

'Definitely made my day though! Thanks for sharing!'


Woof customer: The dog is dressed up in all manner of costumes - but it's only when you slow the film down that you can see the outfits


Props: Dunder is handed what looks like a potato peeler - and he is surrounded by potato skin




source: dailymail

Kristen Stewart walks Robert Pattinson's dog in New York

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

New York walkies: Kristen Stewart takes Bear, the rescue dog she shares with boyfriend Robert Pattinson, out for a walk in New York's East Village


Being the pet of a famous movie star may have its perks, but being left behind while your owner travels the world isn't one of them.

Luckily for Robert Pattinson's dog Bear his owner's girlfriend Kristen Stewart is happy to take over walking duties when he isn't there.

With Pattinson was in London promoting Water For Elephants, Kirsten took the reigns as Bear's carer.


Leading the way: Bear and Kristen head out onto the street for their blustery walk


Dressed in skinny jeans, Converse trainers and a grey T-shirt, Kristen, 21, and her canine companion braved the wind and rain as they made their way across New York's East Village.

Clutching his blue lead, Kristen was careful to keep a tight hold on Bear as they set out across the city together.

Pattinson found Bear in an animal shelter while shooting Breaking Dawn in the Baton Rouge area of Louisiana.


Undeterred: Kristen and Bear don't let the New York weather stop them from heading out as they leave The Bowery Hotel on the Lower East Side


The dog was originally called Yogi Bear, but Pattinson and Kristen decided to shorten his name to Bear after Rob admitted he thought Yogi was 'a bit much.'

Kristen, and her canine companion, have been staying at one of the actress's favourite New York hotels, The Bowery, on the Lower East Side of the city.

Meanwhile, the Twilight actress is set to welcome a new man into her life after it was announced today that British actor, Sam Claflin, has been cast alongside her in Snow White and the Huntsman.

The 24-year-old actor will play Prince Charmant to Kristen's Snow White.


source: dailymail

Children splash water to elephants to celebrate the Songkran festival

Children splash water to elephants to celebrate the Songkran festival, the Thai traditional New Year from April 13 to 15, at Dusit Zoo in Bangkok Monday, April 11, 2011.




Elephants spray water at teenagers during Songkran festival in Ayutthaya province on April 11, 2011. Songkran is the Thai New Year which starts on April 13, during which people celebrate by splashing water at each other.




Elephants spray water at foreign tourists during Songkran festival in Ayutthaya province on April 11, 2011. Songkran is the Thai New Year which starts on April 13, during which people celebrate by splashing water at each other.



Elephants spray water at foreign tourists during Songkran festival in Ayutthaya province on April 11, 2011. Songkran is the Thai New Year which starts on April 13, during which people celebrate by splashing water at each other.



Elephants spray water at foreign tourists during Songkran festival in Ayutthaya province on April 11, 2011. Songkran is the Thai New Year which starts on April 13, during which people celebrate by splashing water at each other.



Elephants splash water to children in celebration of the Songkran festival, the Thai traditional New Year from April 13 to 15, at Dusit Zoo in Bangkok Monday, April 11, 2011.



Children splash water to elephants to celebrate the Songkran festival, the Thai traditional New Year from April 13 to 15, at Dusit Zoo in Bangkok Monday, April 11, 2011.



Thai people celebrate New Year's from April 12 to April 14. The celebration is called the Songkran Festival and it is known across the globe for being a holiday where people play with water.




Thai children spray water each others during the water festival or commonly known as the Songkran festival to mark the New Year, Wednesday, April 14, 2010, in Bangkok, Thailand. The annual festival is a mixture of religion and chaos involving heavy drinking and water fights.




Elephants spray water at teenagers during Songkran festival in Ayutthaya province on April 11, 2011. Songkran is the Thai New Year which starts on April 13, during which people celebrate by splashing water at each other.



Thai people pour water on a statue of Buddha as part of celebrations of the Songkran festival marking the Thai new year in Thailand' southern province of Narathiwat on April 12, 2011. Songkran celebrates the Thai New Year.



A Thai woman parades on a float as part of celebrations of the Songkran festival marking the Thai new year in Thailand's southern province of Narathiwat on April 12, 2011. Songkran celebrates the Thai New Year.


source: Daylife
photo: AP photo, Gettyimages

Outfoxed: 20 firefighters pull free Chester the dog after he trapped himself chasing a vixen

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Help! Chester the West Highland terrier was trapped under a footbridge after chasing a fox - and unsuccessfully catch it


Trapped and looking helplessly out from a gap in a footbridge, you would hope that Chester will think long and hard about whether it is worth it before chasing a fox again.

The West Highland terrier was on a walk along the River Arun in West Sussex with his owner Barry Rice yesterday when he bolted off to chase the wild animal - and he was totally outfoxed.


The vixen was chased into a tight hole and Chester squeezed through a nine-inch gap between under the Shoreham footbridge.


Rescue team: Some 20 firefighters eventually got the dog from under the bridge over the River Arun


And while the fox escaped Chester suddenly realised that he could not get back out of the tiny gap

A team of about 20 firefighters spent hours trying to free him.

They eventually cut through the bridge after gaining permission from the county council. And the ordeal seemed to wear out the dog.


Daft dog: A fireman waits in a dingy underneath the bridge, while one of his colleagues attempts to coax Chester out


Mr Rice said afterwards: 'Chester's fast asleep on my tummy!

'I owe those boys a big favour. They had everything out to rescue him.'

Let's hope Chester thinks twice before chasing another fox.

source: dailymail

Don't PUSS it: A cat takes matters into its own paws after a pesky dog goes a step too far

By MATT BLAKE

Mog-hamed Ali: The patient puss has been nicknamed Tyson after he was filmed throwing a knockout punch at a pesky dog as the pair grappled over a cushion


You've heard of a Boxer dog... but this pugnacious puss could go 12 rounds with even the toughest of hounds.

The cat has been nicknamed Tyson after he was filmed throwing a knockout punch at a pesky dog as the pair grappled over a cushion.

The 25-second clip shows Tyson preparing for a nap on his favourite spot when his Japanese owner's dog begins to play.


Patient puss: At first Tyson appears only mildly cheesed off as the mut nudges him with his nose and nibbles his ear


At first Tyson appears only mildly cheesed off as the mutt nudges him with his nose and nibbles his ear.

In a bid to stop the annoying pooch, Tyson issues a couple of warning blows across his wrinkly face.

But the dog is hellbent on having the last say and issues a yelp of protest into Tyson's ear.


Million Dollar Kitty: In a bid to stop the annoying pooch, Tyson issues a couple of warning blows across his wrinkly face


A dog's strife: But the dog is hellbent on having the last say and issues a yelp of protest into Tyson's ear


The rage descends and the irate grey-and-white cat throws an almighty left jab straight onto the chin of the unsuspecting canine, sending him flying into a heap on the floor.

Tyson stands triumphantly over the felled mutt, who gives his unlikely assailant a pathetic kick and defeated bark before swooning back onto his four paws.

The heroic cat has now become an internet sensation since the clip was posted on YouTube after being shown on a Japanese television show and has had over 37,000 hits.


The mutt's uppercuts: The rage descends and the irate grey-and-white cat throws an almighty left jab straight onto the chin of the unsuspecting mut, sending him flying into a heap on the floor


Puss off: The embarrassed dog looks up at the camera and gives his unlikely assailant a pathetic kick and defeated bark before swooning back onto his four paws


Cat lovers will probably just revel in the sight of seeing a cat dole out some serious punishment to an animal much bigger than itself.

Just yesterday MailOnline revealed a similar video of a cat dishing out punishment to a much larger dog after it nudged it with its nose.




source: dailymail

The furry fists of fury! Raging cat pounds dog with a stunning flurry of punches

By MIKE O'BRIEN

Don't touch me: The cat shows its displeasure after the dog gently nudges it once with its nose


They say you're either a cat lover or a dog lover - but this amazing film should appeal to both, for very different reasons.

The extraordinary clip shows a cat going nuts after the dog gently nudges it with its nose.

Dog lovers will admire the restraint the canine assault victim shows.

And they're sure to enjoy the 'awww' factor from the sad, pitiful look on its face after taking a pounding.

Cat lovers will probably just revel in the sight of seeing a cat dole out some serious punishment to an animal much bigger than itself.

In the video the cat is sitting quietly looking out of a closed door.


And that! The dog is taken by surprise as the cat swings in for a second time


The curious yet docile dog simply wants to know what's going on.

After getting nudged once near its rear end, the cat flies into a rage.

The feline fighter delivers 13 left hooks straight to the face in quick succession, before following up with a right-left-right combination that would make any pugilist proud.


Pow! The dog takes one on the chin as the cat delivers 13 blows in quick succession


Wow! Not content with single punches, the cat goes for a two-pawed attack


The dog soaks up the punishment with little reaction.

Whether the dog was being a perfect gentlemen (or lady) by merely letting the other animal let off some steam, or whether the dog was genuinely dazed by the onslaught, we will never know.

The video was burning up YouTube on Wednesday, getting nearly 120,000 views in four days. It comes complete with its own menacing soundtrack.





source: dailymail