Is World’s First Wingsuit BASE Jump With A Dog Cruel Or Cool? [Video

Amy Tokic
by Amy Tokic

In his latest video, adrenaline junky Dean Potter, a famous rock climber, high-liner and human flyer, wingsuit BASE jumps with his dog, Whisper from the Eiger in Switzerland. The video has gone viral, drawing support and critics for his high-flying adventure – it’s the first of its kind made with a dog. But should he have done it at all? Some are saying the dog didn’t seem to mind it, while others are claiming it’s animal cruelty.


How much damage does this put Whisper through – during the jump, when he pulls the chute? Perhaps none – he does look securely tucked into his backpack. But when the chute is pulled, both human and dog get quite the jerk as they are pulled back. I don’t have answers to these questions, because I wasn’t there, and I don’t know Dean or Whisper. Whisper does look happy when he does reach the ground (as would I!), but riding shotgun with Dean probably means that Whisper has already seen his fair share of adventures.


Watch the video below and let us know what you think. Is it animal cruelty or animal adventure? Please leave your comments below.

Amy Tokic
Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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