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Angus The Labrador Was Fired As A Guide Dog Because He Liked Food Too Much

Angus The Labrador Was Fired As A Guide Dog Because He Liked Food Too Much

Thankfully, trainers have found a new role for him.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Pups go through an incredibly tough process to become guide dogs because they need be able look after people with special needs.

So it's no surprise that there are loads of pooches that don't manage to get enlisted to help people.

But what is surprising is the reason why one dog named Angus was refused for service.

Channel 10

According to 10 Daily, the black Labrador wasn't allowed to be a guide dog because it liked food way more than helping its potential owner.

Thankfully for Angus though, he wasn't cast aside altogether.

Animal trainers realised the black lab had such an abundance of love to give, they decided to give him the title of Chief Happiness Officer of the Creature Comforts program at an aged-care facility in Whiddon, Brisbane.

Not a bad title.

Whiddon resident Maureen Armes told Network 10: "He brings out the best in people. People can be sitting in their wheelchairs and he comes along and they talk to him and they pat him ... if he wasn't here they'd be sitting there all day doing nothing."

Channel 10

They've also worked out how to control his massive appetite.

"We try not to give him any treats anymore, only carrot and apple," said Maureen.

Activities Coordinator Robert Campbell said there was no way they could give the dog back because he has such an infectious attitude on the residents.

"Some people that might be less inclined to come out or engage in things, with Angus around, we see him engage with them, putting a smile on their faces," he said.

If you want to see just how hard it is to become a guide dog then you should watch Pick of the Litter.

It's a heartwarming tale of the two year training programme that begins at birth for these pups and ends with them becoming a helping hand to a person in need.

The film's official synopsis reads: "Pick of the Litter follows a litter of puppies from the moment they're born and begin their quest to become Guide Dogs for the Blind, the ultimate canine career.

"Cameras follow these pups through a two-year odyssey as they train to become dogs whose ultimate responsibility is to protect their blind partners from harm.

"Along the way, the dogs meet a community of dedicated individuals who train them to do amazing, life-changing things in the service of their human. The stakes are high and not every dog can make the cut. Only the best of the best. The pick of the litter."

This documentary film follows the exploits of the 'P' litter at California-based organisation Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Our puppy protagonists are called Phil, Potomac, Patriot, Primrose, and Poppet. That's why they're the 'P' litter, get it? Only two thirds of the dogs will make it to the finish line and actually get a job.

Featured Image Credit: Channel 10

Topics: Community, Animals, Australia