PALIN MITENK BLOG

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

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

By EMILY ALLEN



Ok, let's try it again, pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake... these two moggies have become an internet sensation for their nursery rhyme play



Being a house cat sometimes there is just not a lot to do and quite a lot of down time.



But not for these two moggies who decided they would have a game of pat-a-cake to amuse themselves.



However, they failed to notice their antics were being filmed - and now more than 11.5million people have watched their attempts at the playground game online.





The pat-a-cake cats end up having a row with one cat hitting the other on the head with his paw





Unfortunately the cats have not quite grasped the hand clapping movements which accompany the rhyme which soon turns into a fiasco - with one cat hitting the other on the nose.



Despite their repeated attempts to get it right - they fail dismally before giving up.



The You Tube hit first made waves in 2008, but has popped back up on the radar now someone called Justin C. Elliott posted his interpretation of what the cats are saying.





Almost a third of the way through the clip the furry pair turn to the camera and realise they are being filmed - but then just carry on playing their game which they just can't get right.



Pat-a-cake is one of the oldest and widely known English nursery rhymes.



The earliest recorded version appears in Thomas D'Urfey's play 'The Campaigners' from 1698. It also appears in 'Mother Goose's Melody' from the 1760s.





The video clip of the moggies playing has had more than 11,500,000 views on You Tube after the voice interpretation of what they are saying was added







source: dailymail

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER



Pug's away: Fearless Otis flies through the air on his 64th skydive



Otis the parachuting pug has proved he's truly a leap above his canine chums after enjoying his 64th tandem skydive.



Fearless Otis went barking mad for skydiving since his first jump many years ago say staff at the Lodi Parachute Centre in Acampo, Los Angeles.



The ten-year-old dog wears specially-made 'doggles' to protect his eyes and sits calmly on his owner Will Da Silva's lap as the plane takes them up to around 3000ft before every leap.





No fear: Otis remains relaxed on the ride up as he gets ready for yet another leap





Will said: 'He seems to love it.



'He's totally aware of what's happening when he free falls and just like a first-time jumper he gets all excited about it and gets nervous at the door.



Plucky Otis grew at the Parachute Center and when he's not flying he spends his time chasing airplanes and scrounging food from his fellow skydivers.



He has now become a bit of a celebrity within the skydiving community and people come from across America to jump with him.





Down boy: Back on terra firma after another pawfect landing



source: dailymail

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER



Don't say it with flowers! Nico, Europe's oldest gorilla, was not keen on the roses he was given as a 50th birthday gift by staff at Longleat Safari Park, who think he was hoping for a bigger present



Expectations had been high. But judging by the look on the birthday boy’s face, these roses were something of a letdown.



But then what do you get the gorilla who has everything?



At the grand old age of 50, Nico the silverback is a rather pampered primate.



He lives in a classical-style brick house at Longleat safari park in Wiltshire where he luxuriates in central heating and evenings watching telly.





What do you get the gorilla that has everything? Nico makes sure staff know exactly how he feels about their latest idea for a birthday gift





Outside, there is plenty of room to roam and trees to climb. And there is a nice glass of Ribena and milk waiting for him every morning.



But the humans he has trained so well disappointed him when they handed over a bunch of flowers for his 50th.



The 32-stone primate looked unimpressed as he handled his present - which he promptly threw to the floor in disgust.





That's more like it: Nico was far happier with his banana shaped birthday cake and wolfed it down in seconds





Staff also believe Nico's ungrateful behaviour might also be due to the spoilt and pampered lifestyle he enjoys and that he might have been expecting a bigger present.



However, the hulking beast appeared more satisfied with his banana-shaped birthday cake which he devoured in seconds.



Nico is the famous safari park's oldest resident and is the second oldest male silverback gorilla in captivity in the world.





I Hate Flowers! Nico is the third oldest gorilla in captivity in the world, and the oldest in Europe, and staff at Longleat say his pampered lifestyle has made him grumpy





Nico arrived at Longleat soon after the park opened in 1966, from a zoo in Switzerland.



The oldest gorilla in the world in captivity is Colo, a female who was born in 1956. She lives at Columbus Zoo, Ohio, USA.



The oldest male gorilla in the world is Ozoum who lives in Atlanta Zoo and was born a few months before Nico in 1961.



source: dailymail

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

By HUGO GYE



Blending in: The penguins at the Sea Life Park in Weymouth are delighted by their new neighbours



Penguins may not be used to sand - after all, the icy conditions of the Antarctic are very far from sunny beaches.



But this group is feeling right at home now that they have been given company in the form of sand-sculptures of their fellow penguins.



The sculptures were created by an artist in order to console the birds after the departure of another group to whom they had become attached.





Cheering up: The Humboldts had been pining for their Gentoo pals but seem satisfied with the artificial replacements





And the 11 Humboldt penguins who live at the Sea Life Park in Weymouth, Dorset, are now entertaining visitors by trying to befriend the fake birds.



The penguins had been joined temporarily by a group of Gentoo penguins earlier this year while they were in transit.





Curious: The penguins have been seen trying to befriend the new additions to their enclosure



The Gentoos, which are larger and more energetic than the laid-back Humboldts, spent a couple of months in the park and got on well with their hosts.



But when they were moved on to their new home, at a special exhibition at the Sea Life London Aquarium, the Humboldts were left pining for the charismatic birds.



source :dailymail

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

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

By LOUISE ECCLES

Sorrow: Zara's last parade with Toytown

She bit her bottom lip and fought back the tears as she attempted to maintain a certain amount of royal decorum.

But attempts at a stiff upper lip failed miserably when newlywed Zara Philips broke down and cried as she officially retired her beloved horse Toytown.

It was with Toytown, fondly known as ‘Noddy’ or ‘Ginger’, that she was crowned world eventing champion five years ago.


Triumph: World champions in 2006


Yesterday, the Queen’s granddaughter paraded the horse for the last time, at the final day of this year’s Festival of British Eventing, at Gatcombe Park, in Stroud.

Miss Philips, who married England rugby player Mike Tindall just over a week ago, described Toytown as ‘the complete horse’.


Winning team: Zara Philips cried as she paraded Toytown at the Festival of British Eventing. The pair were crowned world eventing champions in 2006


Firm favourite: Zara has 15 horses including but she described Toytown as ‘the complete horse’


She said: ‘I think it will be quite difficult. It’s the end of an era.

‘He was the horse of a lifetime for me. We grew up together, we went through the levels together, and it all just seemed to go our way.’

‘His movement, his character, it all combined to make the complete horse. And cross-country, he was just a machine.’

She added: ‘I don’t think I am ever going to find another horse quite like him, but hopefully others that will be good enough to go to the same level as he did.’


End of an era: Zara said Toytown was ‘the horse of a lifetime’ but he is now retiring after suffering several injuries


The pair won individual and team gold at the 2005 European Championships, before conquering the world title a year later in Germany.

The horse’s final appearance for Great Britain came in the 2007 Europeans in Italy, where he finished sixth individually and helped secure another team gold.

But at the age of 18, and after suffering several injuries, the chestnut gelding has finally retired from the ring.


Affectionate: Onlookers saw Zara Philips and her husband, Mike Tindall kissing and cuddling at the event

source: dailymail

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