Offbeat week: Old world laughs
Swiss Alps Hero: How a Chihuahua Found a Lost Hiker in a Glacier Crevasse
In the high peaks of the Swiss Alps, a tiny Chihuahua proved that even the smallest of dogs can be a lifesaver. When a trekker fell eight metres into a glacier crevasse, rescue teams struggled to locate the man. The chihuahua, however, refused to leave a perch on a rock and its behaviour guided rescuers straight to the casualty.
The Air Zermatt rescue service said the dog’s persistent behaviour was “extraordinary” and was the key to the man’s recovery. While the hiker could call for help, the glacier surface was wide and the hole barely visible, making the rescue mission difficult.
Thanks to the Chihuahua’s steadfast presence, the crew was able to abseil down and save the hiker. The little dog’s heroics turned a challenging rescue into a successful outcome.
From Mountain Rescues to Luxury Pampering: Switzerland’s St. Bernard Evolution
Once, stranded alpinists relied on St. Bernard dogs for warming brandy. Today, those gentle giants are more likely to receive massages, manicures, or hydrotherapy at the Barryland theme park over Martigny, a new national attraction.
Helicopters now dominate mountain rescue operations, allowing the St. Bernards to enjoy a pampered retirement as care dogs and pensioners, taking a break from their former role as mountain guardians.
“Fierljeppen”: The Dutch Canal Leap That Could Change the World
- In flat Friesland, the Dutch invented “fierljeppen,” a sport that combines pole vaulting, long jump, and sudden swimming.
- Contestants cross canals by catapulting off a 12‑metre pole—comparable to a four‑storey height.
- More than just a sport, it’s a testament to the Dutch sense of adventure and their love of canals.
Wimbledon Towel Collection: Iga Świątek’s Secret Comfort
Polish tennis star Iga Świątek dominated Wimbledon’s women’s singles and accumulated a stash of the tournament’s trademark towels.
“I love the towels,” she confessed, revealing a family of ten who also coveted the tees. While she keeps a few at home, she joked that if she continues on the circuit for another fifteen years, she’ll need to build a new room to store the towel collection.
Świątek’s towel trove is a reminder that behind every high‑profile match, there are personal comforts that fuel the athletes’ journey.
