ISRAEL: Israeli dogs jump out of helicopters dance and play soccer in canine festival

Record ID: 396088

  • Title: ISRAEL: Israeli dogs jump out of helicopters dance and play soccer in canine festival
  • Date: 14th April 2009
  • Summary: VARIOUS OF DOG HERDING SHEEP
  • Embargoed: 29th April 2009 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Israel
  • Country: Israel
  • Topics: Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky
  • Reuters ID: LVA99DT5EAA7LJOZ8EW7XM0UF8H9
  • Story Text: A dog isn't only a man's best friend -- it can also be a soccer player, dancer, and rescuer, judging by a special canine festival held in the city of Ramat Gan on Monday (April 13).
    Dogs trained by the Israeli army and private security companies showed off their unique skills by jumping out of a helicopter hovering above Ramat Gan's stadium. The four-legged animals managed not only to land on their feet but also to take down a man who acted as a suspicious intruder. Luckily, the man was well wrapped in soft clothing to protect him.
    Orit Nevo, of Israel's Kennel Club, said that these dogs are being trained not only for security operations but more importantly for rescue operations in disaster areas.

    "What you see is the first event in two decades in Israel, what we call 'Kalbiada' -- the big doggie event, where you can see both dogs that are working operationally with the army, dogs that really work in the field, and together with some people who are volunteer who just train dogs for fun and to help other people. You can see all kind of dog work," Nevo said.
    But Monday's festival was not all about work. Dogs performed special sports skills during a friendly canine soccer match, where players even managed to score a goal.
    In another show during the festival, a collie dog got an opportunity to show off his dance moves when he performed an American-midwest style dance with his female trainer.
    Dogs and owners also ran through an obstacle course to show their agility, and demonstrated the work of shepherds' dogs with herding a group of sheep.
    The annual dog show is organised by the Tel Aviv University Students Union and is held during the week-long Jewish holiday of Passover, when many Israelis take to the parks and festivals to enjoy some family quality time.
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