Four shelter dogs rescued from abandoned lots around Sao Paulo were trained as "ball dogs" for the Brazil Open tennis tournament.
Their job? To retrieve balls that went out of bounds at an exhibition match -- and then give them back to the players. They didn't like the "giving back" part as much as the "getting the ball" part.
The dogs donned orange bandanas and were cheered on as they chased after lost balls.
A local shelter hope to raise awareness with its "ball-dog" initiative. They say it serves as an example that stray dogs can be trained when given love and affection.
Instructional Links
Website Article & Video: Association of Tennis Professionals, Ball Dogs Steal The Show In Sao Paulo
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/ball-dogs-sao-paulo-2016-thursday