Watch Invictus athletes' service dogs compete in adorable swim race

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Friday, May 13, 2016
Service dogs take and their owners take an impromptu break in the pool during the 2016 Invictus Games.
Kensington Palace/Invictus Games

Service dogs who work with Invictus athletes had their own friendly competition: a couple laps in the pool.

The Invictus Games shared on social media about the sweet, "last-minute" doggie paddle race. The 2016 Invictus Games took place May 8-12 in Orlando. Prince Harry, himself a veteran, created the Games in 2014 for servicemen and women who have suffered life-changing injuries, both visible and invisible. The prince was on hand for the dogs' impromptu event.

Since the games were held in Disney World this year, the service dogs also got a chance to meet Mickey and Pluto.

Invictus Games Orlando 2016 Canadian competitor Luc Martin's service dog, Trail, shakes paws with Pluto on May 12.
David Roark/Disney Sports News

Retired U.S. Air Force Sgt. Leonard Anderson, who was at the Invictus Games with his dog, Azza, reflected on what these dogs mean to their owners.

"The dogs are providing a huge service to these guys," he said, adding of Azza. "She's the reason I'm here."