TORONTO (Reuters) - Unlike the stray dogs that were a common sight at the Sochi Olympics, the canines running around the Athletes' Village at the Pan American Games in Toronto are intentionally there to help competitors release stress.
In what is being called a first for the quadrennial multi-sport competition between countries from North America, Latin America, South America and the Caribbean, athletes can seek out the unconditional love of a dog.
"The athletes are probably feeling homesick, stressed," said Margo Mackay, a handler of one of the dogs.
"Regardless of whether you won or lost, what language you speak or what country you are from, the dogs will love you and greet you the same way.