Athletes Training for the Tokyo Summer Olympics and Paralympics Pause to Cuddle Rescue Pets

There's always time for puppies, even if you are training for this year's Tokyo Summer Olympics and Paralympics. A dozen world-class athletes working hard to make it into the Olympic and Paralympic Games took a break from their busy schedules to pose with adoptable puppies from Paw Works. The results are a perfect way to celebrate April 11th's National Pet Day. Click on to see why these pictures get a gold medal in adorableness.

To learn more about all the Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, visit TeamUSA.org. Watch the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics this summer on NBC.

RYAN LOCHTE

Lochte is a swimmer and four-time Olympian, competing in 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016. He has won 12 Olympic medals, including 6 gold medals.