What a hero! David Walliams saves a dog from drowning as he continues with Thames swim

By SARAH BULL

What a hero! David Walliams today saved a dog from drowning as he continued his Thames swim for Sport Relief

Comedian David Walliams yesterday saved a dog from drowning despite suffering from ‘Thames Tummy’ during his marathon charity swim along the river.

The Little Britain star swam to save the one-year-old labrador after hearing him splash into the water. The animal, called Vinny, was struggling to get out because it has a bad hip.

Walliams grabbed the dog by the scruff of the neck and pushed it on to the river bank near Cookham Lock in Berkshire.


Bravery: Walliams pushed the Labrador to safety after the canine jumped in to greet the comedian


Walliams said: ‘I heard a splash and looked over to be met with the face of a sweet labrador.

‘I thought he was fine, but he started to really struggle when he was getting out so I swam over and helped his owner get him out.’

Vinny’s owner Steve Outten, 23, from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, said: ‘Vinny has hip dysplasia and was really struggling to get out just as David was swimming past.

‘He stopped, swam over and helped me get him out, which when you think what he’s going through with the swim is totally amazing. What a man.’


Hero's welcome: Walliams is applauded and cheered as he arrives at Bray Lock this afternoon


Support: Walliams said he has been amazed by the amount of support he has received from members of the public


Talking about his brave rescue, Walliams said: 'We had a little incident with a dog on the way to Maidenhead - I heard a splash and looked over to be met with the face of a sweet Labrador. I thought he was fine, but he started to really struggle when he was getting out so I swam over and helped his owner get him out.'

Walliams' rescue mission came as he was supported by his supermodel wife Lara Stone, who followed him on a boat as he swam.

Lara even fed Walliams a cookie as he stopped for a quick snack break on his way to Bray Lock in Maidenhead.

Taking to her Twitter page this morning, Lara wrote: 'He really is flying!! SO PROUD!!!!! #thamesswim @sportrelief.'


Support: David Walliams' wife Lara Stone came to support him on his Thames swim today


She later added: 'Another amazing reception! So many people, too sweet, brings tears to my eyes.'

Lara wasn't the only famous face supporting Walliams today, as comedian Miranda Hart also popped along.

After making him some porridge for breakfast, Miranda was ready and waiting with a dressing gown for Walliams as he pulled himself out of the water for a quick pitstop.

Walliams added: 'It's been a great day today. My wife Lara has been in the boat cheering me on which was such a big boost to me. Miranda Hart came along and made me porridge too which was a lovely thought, but slightly less lovely in practice.'


Slowly but surely: Walliams, seen here yesterday, is in much better spirits today


Grinning from ear to ear: Walliams smiled for the camera as he prepared to get into the water this morning


He added: 'My tummy has settled a bit and I had fish and chips and some pizza last night so feel better.

'We have broken through the 100 mile barrier now which is great, but once I reach Teddington Lock the Thames becomes tidal and there's a whole new set of challenges.

'The currents and undertows are very dangerous so I'll need to be strong.'


Eat up! Lara feeds Walliams a cookie to keep him energised for the swim


Famous faces: Lara was joined on the boat by comedian Miranda Hart


Walliams was also encouraged on the charity swim yesterday by his close friend, fellow comedian Jimmy Carr, who was there to congratulate him as he reached the halfway point of the challenge in Henley-on-Thames.

Earlier this week, the former Little Britain star was struggling to continue with the challenge after contracting 'Thames Tummy' from the murky Thames water.

But speaking about his progress yesterday, Walliams said: 'It's fantastic to be half way - although if I think for too long about the fact that I've got to do as many miles again, I feel even sicker than normal.

'I'm learning to live with the stomach bug and had a more settled night. I even tucked into fish and chips, so I’m taking food on board again.'


Spurring him on: David stopped to shake Michael Parkinson's hand


source: dailymail

'It's important for them to have space': Petra Ecclestone bought Candy Spelling's £52m mansion so her dogs can live in comfort

By DANIEL BATES

LA lifestyle: Petra has been attending meetings and enjoying her life in Beverly Hills

She had claimed it was to let her spend time between Britain and America more easily.
But now Petra Ecclestone has revealed the real reason why she bought her £52million Los Angeles mansion - so her miniature dogs can have more space.

The 22-year-old has admitted that concern for her five pets was why she splashed out her father’s money on the 14-bedroom property.


Animal lover: Petra Ecclestone pictured here the Dogs Trust Honours in London last year

Even though she already has a six-story £56 million mansion in Chelsea, Ms Ecclestone felt that they deserved more room to live, she said.

Now that the dogs have homes on two sides of the Atlantic, they are beginning to rival their owner - once dubbed ‘the most spoilt girl in Britain’ - for over pampering.

The Los Angeles property is a sprawling 57,000 square foot house called The Manor which was built by the late TV producer Aaron Spelling who was responsible for such shows as Dallas and Charlie’s Angels.

Built in the style of a French chateau it is located in the exclusive Holmby Hills area of Los Angeles.

It has a huge garden in the front and the back, a swimming pool and a double staircase that was inspired by one featured in ‘Gone with the Wind’.

In an interview Ms Ecclestone said that she persuaded her father, billionaire Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, to buy her the property because she thought it was ‘homey and livable’


Lap of luxury: The heiress bought Candy Spelling's California home for £52 million


‘I didn’t want a modern kind of house,’ she said. ‘It was a great investment at the end of the day’.

Ms Ecclestone added that she had to also think about her miniature dogs.

‘It’s important for them to be able to have space,’ she said.

The pets include a Rottweiler and a Bulldog which will now apparently feel more comfortable having even more room to wander around.


Pampered pooches: Petra's pets will have the run of the 57,000 square foot house


Ms Ecclestone is currently living at the mansion with new husband James Stunt, 28, whom she married last month at a lavish ceremony at 15th Century Odescalchi Castle in Italy where the entertainment was provided by Eric Clapton and the Black Eyed Peas.

The property had been sold by Mr Spelling’s widow Candy, mother of actress Tori Spelling. When it was first listed in 2009 it was the most expensive property on sale in America at the time.

source: dailymail

And they call it puppy love: Amelle Berrabah only has eyes for her dog, even though she's on a date with her boyfriend

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER



Infatuated: Amelle only has eyes for Herbie, despite boyfriend Tom Benn in tow



They say you can't hide the look of love.



And Amelle Berrabah seems infatuated with her new pet pooch Herbie.



The Sugababes singer cradled the tiny dog in her arms as she headed to a local park in west London with boyfriend Tom Benn.





New member of the family: Amelle's boyfriend Tom Benn cradles Herbie





While most people throw on their slacks for walkies, the 27-year-old of course dressed for the catwalk.



Showing off her petite figure, Amelle wore figure-hugging cropped red trousers and intentionally clashed it with orange shoes and a bag.





Baby's first steps: Tom and Amelle watch as playful Herbie runs around





The chart-topper added a touch of cool to the outfit, teaming it with a flat cap and baggy sweater that showed off her flat midriff.



Amelle introduced Herbie to the world last week on Twitter, posing with him on her lap in the car.





Mummy's boy: Amelle introduced Herbie to the world on Twitter last week





Tom looked particularly gigantic next to the little animal, especially when he cradled him in his arms.



However when they say down on a park bench, the tattooed former model looked like he'd rather be down the pub.



On Saturday, Amelle was gushing about the new addition to the family, writing on Twitter: 'Sitting outside having dinner with friends and little Herbie. So chilled!xxx'



source: dailymail

Story of world's first 'bionic' dolphin and his prosthetic tail is to become Hollywood blockbuster... and it's going to be in 3D

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER



Dolphin Tale: Winter's life will be documented in a new Hollywood movie which will be shown in the UK in October



Watching her swim through the water you would think she's like any other dolphin, doing backflips and splashing around in her pool.



But this is Winter, the world's first bionic dolphin, whose heartwarming story has inspired a Hollywood blockbuster.



At just two months old she lost her mother and her tail in a crab trap.





Splash: Winter with her prosthetic limb which took nearly two years to create





After 18 months of painstaking work, £150,000 and nearly 50 prototypes, the pair managed to create a 30 inch silicone tail.



Winter, who only wears the limb for a few hours a day, wouldn't survive in the wild and constantly needs a replacement limb as she grows.



Staff at the aquarium also spend hours massaging her muscles every day to ensure she is comfortable.



Visitors have also been inspired by Winter and a number of servicemen who have been injured in Iraq and Afghanistan have benefited from the work done by Mr Carroll.



Because Winter's skin is so sensitive, a special gel had to be created so that the fake limb wouldn't irritate her.



The gel has been so successful it is now being used for humans too.





A member of staff at the aquarium shows off the fake limb which moves along with Winter's spine





Brian Kolfage, who lost both legs and his right hand in Iraq, had such a severe reaction to the fake limbs he was unable to use them. But because of the breakthrough cream he is now able to walk again.



Young children visiting Winter are also inspired and find the courage to deal with their own deformities after meeting the inspirational dolphin.



Hannah Jenkins, 12, who was born without a left hand and forearm, said Winter helped her realise she too could survive.



Winter may never be the most elegant dolphin but, as she splashes about in the aquarium, it is safe to say that she probably doesn't care.



Dolphin Tale, directed by Charles Martin Smith, will be released in the UK in 3D this October.





Dolphin Tale 3D.





source: dailymail

Training going well? Irina Shayk struggles with her disobedient dog on day out in New York

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Training going well? Irina Shayk appeared to be struggling with her disobedient dog as she took him out for a walk in New York yesterday

It's a process most dog-owners don't look forward to.

And Irina Shayk certainly appeared to be struggling as she attempted to train her dog Caesare while on a walk in New York yesterday.

The 25-year-old model wagged her finger at her trusting Labrador, who appeared to have been pulling on his lead, as she made the most of the sunshine.


No! Irina wagged her finger at Labrador Caesare after he pulled on his lead


Clearly getting frustrated with the canine, Irina made Caesare sit down while she told him off for being disobedient.

Irina, who permanently resides in New York, once said that Caesare was named after Julius Caesar.

She also claimed that he was fathered by one of the dogs who played the title role in Marley & Me.


I'm sorry! The dog looked apologetic after he was told off by his owner


Despite the fact she was having difficulties with her dog, Irina looked stunning in her cut-out denim dress as she strolled the streets of Manhattan.

Teaming the bodycon outfit with a white Chanel handbag and black sandals, Irina looked in great shape as she enjoyed the warm weather.

But despite her toned physique, Irina recently insisted that she doesn't diet.


Disobedient: Caesare appeared to have got slightly excited and pulled on his lead when another little dog came up to him


She said: 'I’m never dieting, but it’s very important to take care of your health. I work out a lot, love boxing and Pilates, but I also eat healthy food and drink a lot of water.

'But the most important thing is to be happy and to be in love with your body!'

Irina added: 'I do work out five times a week, but I'm never dieting. I try to be healthy because to be happy and healthy on the inside shows on the outside.'


That's better: After a stern talking to, Caesare appeared to have learned his lesson



Reward: The dog gazes adoringly at his stunning owner as she rewards him with a stroke

source: dailymail

Botox for dogs? The goofy toy that brings a huge smile to your pooch's lips

By ANNA EDWARDS

Barking mad for it: This pooch looks thrilled with his new toy

Most dogs are simply content to fetch a stick if thrown one.

So this squeaky plaything is sure to bring a goofy smile to any pooch's face.

The novelty plush dog lips, made by pet product business Ancol, is guaranteed to give even the grumpiest dog the cheesiest grin.


One cheesy grin: This dog can't help but beam from ear to ear with his new plaything

In fact, it's almost certain they'll be grinning from ear to ear once they got this soft toy clamped between their chops.

With its oversized lips and huge teeth, any dog would be barking mad not to enjoy it.
Even lazy pets might be given a new leash of life once they pucker up and get their teeth into it.

And any owner would be thrilled to play with their pet if it meant seeing their mutt beam back at them.

The unusual toy is 16cm long, made from plush material and retails for around £3.50.


Open wide! With the plush toy clamped firmly in its jaws, this dog has got the biggest grin


source: dailymail

'I was clenching everything': Terrifying moment a snake slithered up windscreen as SUV sped along highway at 65mph

By FIONA ROBERTS

It's a miracle the driver managed not to crash - let alone keep in a straight line.

A snake terrified a young mother when it suddenly appeared on her SUV's windscreen after slithering out of the engine as she drove along an expressway into Memphis, Tennessee.

Rachel Fisher said she's not usually scared by snakes but she 'was clenching everything' as she drove at 65mph with the unusual hitchhiker on board - and her three young children in the back.


Terror: The huge snake suddenly appears on Rachel Fisher's windscreen as she speeds along the expressway towards Memphis, Tennessee


As she screamed and giggled hysterically, her husband recorded the incident on his camera phone and then posted the video on YouTube, where it has gone viral in just three days.

It happened last week as Mrs Fisher drove her husband, Tony, and their three children Elizabeth, three, Judah, two and Rivers, four months, back to Memphis after visiting her parents in Cordova.


Hitching a ride: The snake slithers along the windscreen

She had been driving for about 15 minutes when her husband suddenly yelled out.

Mrs Fisher told the New York Daily News: 'My husband saw it out of the corner of his eye and did a double-take.


Frightening: The snake winds itself over the wing mirror...


...and then opens its jaws as if ready to strike



source: dailymail

What's this? It certainly looks like Louis and Simon are jousting for X Factor supremacy

On guard: Lookalikes of Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell were in battle at Warwick Castle on Saturday to promote the return of jousting displays for the summer season

When Warwick Castle wanted someone famous to open their summer season they decided to go for the very best.

Pulling out all the stops, they secured the services of not just one X Factor judge, but two.

And true to their word, both Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh turned up at the castle on Saturday afternoon, looking to settle their differences.

Or at least two lookalikes did.


As close as they got: The pair, and their horses, wore traditional jousting clothing, and posed for photos but left the real battle to the experts


Crossing swords: The pair put down their jousting lances to do battle for supremacy with these weapons


The pair of 'celebrities' were at the castle to help it mark the return of its jousting knights for the summer.

As on the TV show, the two men caused divided loyalties between many members of the crowd.

And while they did pose for these photographs, they were unable to battle it out for real, as they left that to the experts.

Cowell and Walsh also joined in with some falconry, with each man donning a protective glove so a bird could sit on their hand.


Well protected: Cowell donned a falconry glove to let this owl species perch on his hand before Walsh did the same with another bird


It's a bird! Walsh looks surprised as he holds aloft another species during his go at falconry


While guests were also treated to the falconry, they also witnessed a show by actors performing the Arthurian legend 'The Sword and the Stone.'

And visitors could get within fire-breathing distance of The Great Dragon, a star of the BBC's Merlin drama.

Warwick Castle was built in 1068 by William the Conqueror and used as a fortification until the early 17th century.

It was then converted by Sir Fulke Greville into a country house and remained in his family until 1978.

Following the Greville's family's sale to Tussauds, the company performed extensive restoration work before opening it to the public.

source: dailymail

I'm no crazy cat lady... insists the California animal lover who lives with 700 felines

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Pioneering: The Cat House on the Kings in Parlier, California is the largest no-kill cat sanctuary in the world

Lynea Lattanzio, of Parlier, California, lives with over 700 felines.

But she insists she's no crazy cat lady.

Read more...

Are they Shoal-in monks? The taekwondo-performing divers who practice their martial art among the fishes

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

I make this look easy: A diver surrounded by sardines performs taekwondo during a performance for visitors at the Coex Aquarium in Seoul

There must be easier places to perform taekwondo - underwater and surrounded by sardines is perhaps not one of them.

Read more...

How Mei Xiang the giant panda fooled zoo keepers with a false pregnancy by cradling objects, not eating and staying in her den

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Everyone had hoped that Mei Xiang, who lives in the panda enclosure at the National Zoo in Washington DC, was pregnant

Even a Chinese breeding expert couldn't help giant panda Mei Xiang conceive.

Read more...

The really wild things making it big on the silver screen

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER


These snow monkeys are embracing at the edge of a hot spring, Jigokudani, Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, Japan. Only dominant females and their young have access to the hot water

A host of amazing animals from around the world are starring in a film opening in cinemas today.

Read more...

All sorts of bugs and ticks: The clockwork creepy crawlies you'll come to love in time

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Clockwork colours: This life-like meat fly even has the wings and colourful shell found on real flies but is actually made from metal

Anyone swatting these bugs may be in for a surprise - the creepy crawlies are filled with clockwork innards.

Read more...

Muddy hell! Horse stuck up to its nose in muddy swamp is rescued by firefighters

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Slough of despond: Rescue technician James Halton keeps Elvis the Welsh cob calm while attaching ropes to him

Firefighters had to use all their ingenuity to rescue a horse after it became almost fully submerged in a muddy swamp.

Read more...

Why have you woken me up? Sleepy slender loris ignores attentions of vet during health check

Snooze time: The eight month old loris sleeps in the hands of a vet after her first health check

When you are just eight months old sometimes just the simple things in life like popping to the doctors can be exhausting.

Read more...

The sheep-loving three-year-old who's winning awards (and hearts) by showing his flock at fairs

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Prodigy: Three-year-old William Mullin has been training sheep for over a year

There's a new rising star in the world of agricultural shows - and he's only three years old.

Read more...

Who does he think he is... Winnie the Pooh? Grizzly rescued after head gets stuck in a jar

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Stuck: The bear with a jar stuck on it's head weighed just 115 pounds when it was caught and treated by vets

After Winnie the Pooh, everybody knows bears have a tendency to get their heads stuck in jars.

Read more...

Seem-pals! The terrier who is best friends with a meerkat

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Stand-up guy: Timon the meerkat with his new best friend Poppy


To Poppy the terrier, Timon the meerkat is much more than a mere cat.

The playful pair, who live with owners John Bent and wife Sally in Dronfield, Derbyshire, are almost inseparable.

Read more...