The 2020 Paralympics wrapped up recently; a year delayed but worth the wait.

Accompanying some of the athletes were assistants with four paws and furry coats: Several athletes brought their service dogs along! Two even marched in the Opening Ceremony with the Israeli team. Belgian and Canadian athletes were also photographed with their guide / service dogs during the Paralympics. However, other athletes, including an American runner, were not permitted to bring their guide or service dogs into Japan for the Paralympics.

Japan has a mixed record on accommodating service and guide dogs, and many disability rights advocates hope that the Paralympics focused enough attention on the problem to lead to change.