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Life

09th Apr 2018

These service dogs in training went to Disneyland and the photos are too pure

Keeley Ryan

They really did make it the happiest place on earth.

A group of service dogs in training took a trip to Disneyland – and it was possibly the cutest thing we’ve ever seen.

Checkov, Aryssa, Essie, and Ortega are all members of Canine Companions for Independence, a non-profit that trains dogs highly-skilled assistance dogs for children, adults and veterans with disabilities.

The puppies’ trainers brought them to the theme park as part of their training process.

Canine Companions spokesperson Michelle Williams explained:

“It’s great socialization for the dogs, since they get to be around all the different sights, sounds, smells and people that Disneyland has to offer.”

While it was technically a work trip, that didn’t stop the puppies – aged nine to 14 months – from having a bit of fun during their day out at the theme park.

Each wearing their own set of Mickey Mouse ears, they got to meet some of the characters throughout the park, including Pluto, Tigger, Chip and Dale – and even went for a spin on the teacups.

Just look at the joy in their faces.

Canine Companions for Independence is a non-profit breeds, raises and trains highly-skilled assistance dogs for children, adults and veterans with disabilities, and places them free of charge to recipients.

The dogs live with volunteer trainers for around a year and a half before moving to a regional training center.

They begin their professional training there, where they learn to pick up dropped items and bring them back to their handlers, open and close doors and drawers, as well as turning the lights on and off.