Therapy dogs are the US Swim Team's secret new weapon

Updated
Therapy dogs are the US Swim Team's Secret New Weapon
Therapy dogs are the US Swim Team's Secret New Weapon

The U.S. Olympic Swim Team is using therapy dogs to help their athletes relax.

30 canine coaches are joining the swimmers in the athlete lounge at the the U.S. Olympic Trials this week in Omaha, Nebraska. Morgan Weinberg of U.S.A. Swimming came up with the idea as a way to destress the swimmers.

Domesti-PUPS, a non-profit organization that provides therapy, service and rescue dogs, provided the canine companions. Some of their dogs came from Omaha where the trials are being held, others traveled from Lincoln and Missouri.

With such a positive response from the swimmers, the group hopes to have the pups doggy-paddling back next competition.

Click through the gallery below to see photos of patriotic dogs for July 4th.

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