Dog saves six kittens

A two-year-old dog in Reno, Nevada, has been credited as rescuing six abandoned kittens.

The dog was turned over to the Nevada Humane Society after carrying out the heroic act, reports the Associated Press.

Diane Blankenburg, the shelter director, said that the incident happened on Monday when the Boxer/Pit Bill mix named Angel was on a walk.

Volunteers Frank Gomez and Joel Fontes were walking the dog when the dog became preoccupied with an object in the bushes.

When Angel refused to move, Mr Gomez investigated and discovered a box full of three-week old tabby kittens.

Shelter staff were summoned to the scene after Angel managed to track down a kitten that escaped from the box.

The frightened and hungry kittens are now recovering in the Nevada animal shelter.

Meanwhile, researchers at the University of Vienna recently stated that many dogs are learning morals from their owners, reports the Mail.

Army Penguin honoured

One penguin has been awarded a medal by the king of Norway, it has been reported.

Nils Olav is the colonel-in-chief of the Norwegian army and was inspecting his regiment - the king's guard - in a parade in Edinburgh before he received his knighthood, according to the Guardian.

The penguin - who resides in Edinburgh Zoo - waddled out for the tradition, which was introduced in the early 1970s by a young Norwegian lieutenant, Nils Egelien, who came up with the idea of the animal's being mascots and honorary members of his battalion.

Darren McGarry, animal collection manager at the zoo, said the penguin always recognises his guardsmen when they come to visit him.

"He loves the attention he receives at the ceremony and takes his time inspecting the troops. We're all very excited about his new promotion," he added.

Meanwhile, in other international pet news, a Hong Kong shop owner, Howard Cheung, told the AFP last week he was holding an Olympic Games for animals in order to promote exercise for four-legged friends in the country.