A group of gorgeous service canines in training were taken on a field excursion last week that they will never forget.
They took a trip to Disneyland.
Canine Companions for Independence is a nonprofit organization located in California that trains service dogs and matches them with persons who could benefit from their assistance.
These puppies are still learning the ropes under the supervision of their caregivers, but it isn’t all labor. On Thursday, the group went to Disneyland to explore the grounds and make new friends to enhance their crucial socialization skills.
“Disneyland is the ideal site to introduce our puppies to crowds, loud noises, diverse sights, and smells, and different types of people,” Kendra Clark, who assisted with the trip’s planning, told The Dodo.
Here are some of the highlights from their park visit.
Clark added, “The pups truly loved going around the park.” “They posed for shots with their Mickey ears on and ate up all the attention they got.”
Even the dogs got to go on a couple of rides.
They also had some interesting interactions with some of the park’s most well-known characters.
“Seeing how excited they were when they saw the characters was fantastic!” Clark explained. “The characters were almost as eager to say hello as the dogs!”
The dogs had a great time on their trip, and they made other people’s days better as well.
Nicole Brown was one of the park visitors who were ecstatic to see the future service dogs enjoying a good time.
“I’ve always loved dogs, especially Labradors and Golden Retrievers. But seeing puppies with Mickey Mouse ears at Disneyland was the nicest thing ever “Brown told The Dodo about it. “They appeared to be overjoyed to be there. They were enthralled by the attention they were receiving from tourists and Disney characters alike.”
Brown documented her experience on Twitter, and it quickly went viral.
The trip was a success, and the group plans to do it again in a few months, all for the benefit of canines who will one day play critical roles in the lives of those who need them. The opportunity to spread the word about it is an added plus.
“Part of our responsibility as puppy raisers is to educate the public about service dogs and Canine Companions’ goal,” Clark explained. “It was fantastic that the crowds were not only enthralled by our service dogs in training but also so respectful of the fact that they were on the job.”
Though it’s fantastic to watch the dogs enjoying themselves as well.