Last year, the ball dogs were the centre of attention at the Brazil Open in Sao Paulo.
AFP
Well, this year the friendly canines are back!
Four dogs from local shelters were showcased 12 months ago during the clay-court tournament in Brazil's largest city -- and all four were eventually adopted.
This time around, six canines ranging in age from four to 10 - Cindy, Nanda, Pretinha, Mia, Arlete and Ovelha - will be fetching balls during the warmups on the semifinal and final days, March 4-5.
It's certainly a good move as not only does it entertain the audience, but is a good way to spread awareness of how man's best friend truly needs to be cared for.
"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!" Madalena Spinazzola, from pet-food maker Premier Pet, organising the initiative with the tournament, told the Brazil Open's website.