Animals chase gold in Hong Kong's pet Olympics
HONG KONG (Reuters Life!) - Watch out Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps. A menagerie of furry, four-legged athletes have also been showcasing their sporting prowess at Hong Kong's Olympic games for pets.
Dubbed the Olympets, a host of house pets from cats, rabbits, hamsters and dogs have been jumping, swimming and sprinting for glory in the bustling city which hosted Olympic equestrian events during the 2008 Beijing Games which ended on Sunday.
It was all citius, altius, fortius -- though with barks, meows and much tail wagging.
Competition was stiff in the canine category -- with 300 dogs from Labradors to Chihuahuas taking part in a variety of track and field events, held on the podium of a downtown skyscraper.
"It's to savor the Olympics that I'm taking part with Pui Pui," said Eden Chan of her 16-month-old beagle.
A black Labrador leapt over a row of bouncy barriers in the long jump, while others hurdled high fences and shuttled between sticks in the obstacle course, or paddled in shallow pools.
Stouter dogs heaved carts laden with bags of pet food in a test of strength, goaded on by their snack-wielding owners.
"To be here and to take part in these outdoor events and to meet so many dogs and people makes Pui Pui very happy," Chan added.
The Hong Kong Olympets, organized by local pet stores and pet lovers will have its grande finale this Sunday.
(Writing by James Pomfret, editing by Miral Fahmy)
