Thanks to the many readers who sent in links to news stories about 'Boniface,' the Russian Diving Dachshund. We got so many emails about the story, we can't begin to thank everyone, but trust us, we're humbly grateful for the story tips! It's funny how odd little stories like this blow up to be global news. We first featured Boniface back on May 6, 2010 with little fanfare, but once The Associated Press sends out a news story, it sure goes viral - which happened over the weekend. And it's great when Dachshunds get such global attention!
Here's the breakdown from the AP:
MOSCOW — Any dachshund owner knows the feisty breed rarely backs off from a challenge, but one in Russia is taking that reputation to new heights — or depths.
The dog named Boniface is learning how to scuba dive.
Owner Sergei Gorbunov, a professional diver in the Pacific Coast city of Vladivostok had a diving suit complete with helmet made for the dog and is teaching him the tricks of the trade.
In a recent demonstration, Boniface barked eagerly as Gorbunov readied the equipment and uncomplainingly endured being hung upside-down as Gorbunov fitted the suit on him.
Once underwater, he seemed to have a different outlook, emitting some high-pitched whines.
Gobunov says, "Underwater, I don't think he experiences any stress."
Now honestly, we're not the biggest fans of this story - we're not so sure that deep under water is the place for a Dachshund to be. Sure, we might dive down a little depth to fetch a ball or something, but generally that's because we want to, and some of us Dachshunds are comfortable doing that. Not all of us though.
Personally, we tend to agree with these ABC World News Now correspondents: "Oh, Good God." What's your take?
See 7 more photos at the Associated Press
7 comments:
I haven't seen the video, but I'm generally opposed to putting animals into situations like this. I remember the man who sky dives with his pug. Who really knows if the pug enjoys skydiving??? The poor pup might be scared out of his wits. -- Molly in McLean
I don't understand the reasoning behind teaching a dog to dive. For what purpose? and the dog's whining IS an indicator of stress!
Boniface obviously doesn't like being underwater. His owner should back off.
I am a certified scuba diver, and it took me several lessons to learn how to equalize my ears. How can a dog learn that? The pressure, even a few feet down, must be killing his poor ears.
yeah, he had me til the whimpering.
I agree, he should back off. If God intended our 4 pawed friends to be divers he would have given them fins instead of legs!!!
I agree, he should back off. If God intended our 4 pawed friends to be divers he would have given them fins instead of legs!!!
What's the use of making a dog dive anyway?
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