10 Team Canada Rio hopefuls and their four-legged best friends

Some Rio 2016 hopefuls for Team Canada live the old adage, a dog is a man’s best friend. These furry friends may not be much help at practice, but they are always good for unconditional moral support.

From picturesque lounging on the beach to relaxing in between training sessions, here are some photos of our athletes chilling with their companions.

#Finny

Sailor Erin Rafuse is always sad to part ways with her dog, Finny, for the Olympic season.

#WetDog

Toronto 2015  Synchro gold medal winner Karine Thomas gets daily updates on her companion when she’s away training.

Two is Better Than One

Field hockey player and Olympic hopeful Devohn Noronha Teixeria shows some love to his pup.

Puppy Love

https://www.instagram.com/p/BE9z0UGNMsU/

Nadia Popov is a self-proclaimed cat enthusiast but is constantly seen on instagram with a ton of other animals. One of them includes this beauty.

Poor Little Guy

Rugby sevens’ Mandy Marchak posts a photo that resonates with all fellow dog owners across the nation.

Friendship.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BCO69GanZEz

Nate Hirayama shows that there’s nothing like an evening stroll on the beach with your best friend.

#Goodboy

Recent silver medal-winner in team race walking Evan Dunfee shows the level of perseverance his dog has, even at age 110 (dog years, obviously).

#SausageDog

Field hockey player Matt Guest and his companion enjoy some downtime together.

The Best Kisses

Wrestler Dori Yeats gets lots of kisses from one of her fur babies.

#SpoiledPup

https://www.instagram.com/p/BEU4rq6QKAv/

Track cyclist Allison Beveridge constantly shares photos of her dog and cat in true pet lover’s fashion.