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Brazilian Open Use Shelter Dogs As Ballboys

Brazilian Open Use Shelter Dogs As Ballboys

Man's best friend.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

For the second year running, six shelter dogs - Cindy, Nanda, Pretinha, Mia, Arlete and Ovelha - have replaced actual ballboys and girls at the Brazilian Open, Sao Paulo.

The dogs even wear sweatbands on their wrists and scarves around their neck to complete the ultimate tennis look.

Yes, their retrieving ability can be a little wayward at times, as you see in the below footage uploaded by CNN, but this might just be the greatest thing, ever.

GET ME ON A FLIGHT TO BRAZIL RIGHT NOW!


Madalena Spinazzola, from pet-food maker PremieR Pet., explains the reason behind their involvement and it might just make you cry:

"They are dogs that have had a difficult trajectory, yes, but what we want to point out is not the history suffered from the past, but to prove that no matter what they have gone through, they can be great companions today and in the future." she told CNN.

Here are all six dogs that featured in the Brazilian Open. I think I'll take Ovelha, cheers.

Image: Brazilian Open
Image: Brazilian Open

Premier pet support the cause of adoption and subsidizes the feeding of thousands of dogs and cats:

"By taking the DogDolls to the courts, we again want to show the public that dogs waiting for a home only need high-quality affection, care and nutrition. No matter their origin or age, when they are loved and fed properly they can be wonderful companions, play, learn new things and do great things," Spinazzola.

It didn't take them long to steal the show:


This might just be the best initiative, ever.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: SPORT, Tennis, Tennis news, Dogs