"I will fly, like a dog"

William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
Timon of Athens. Act I, sc. 1

BRIGHTON (UK) — Ok, maybe dogs can fly, but they sure can't land very well.

That didn't dissuade "Leo" the Labrador from launching himself out a third floor window, The Argus reported yesterday.  Leo (which may or may not be short for "Leonardo Da Vinci", the 15th century inventor who also had an unsuccessful obsession with flying) reportedly pushed the window open with his nose and leaped after a squirrel he had spotted in the nearby trees.  It wasn't exactly a three-point landing, but the pooch managed to survive miraculously with only a few bruises.

"No more Saturday morning cartoons for YOU, young man!"  What possibly could have inspired Leo the Labrador to jump three floors in pursuit of a squirrel?

Colin Rowland told reporters that the six-year-old dog had been staring through the high window overlooking Barrowfield Drive when he suddenly vaulted.  Mr. Rowland looked up just in time to see Leo's tail disappear over the ledge.

"I shouted but it was just too late," says Mr. Rowland.  "I felt really sick.

"...all I remember thinking is that I would have to scrape him off the pavement."