Two little cocker spaniel puppies have become the talk of Scotland after being introduced on the Police Scotland Facebook page.
The force says photos it posted of brother and sister Buddy and Trio were seen over 130,000 times in less than a day as animal lovers from all over the country shared them with their friends.
The puppies are setting out on a period of training and testing that could eventually lead to them working in explosives detection, victim recovery, or drugs, cash and firearms searches anywhere in Scotland.
But that’s all for the future.
For now, the puppies are playing fetch with a tennis ball, enjoying treats and going for a nap.
In a follow-up post on Thursday in response to the puppies’ unparalleled pulling power, a force spokesman said: “Buddy, the little black cocker spaniel, and his sister, Trio, joined Police Scotland a few weeks ago, and were specially selected due to the pedigree and outstanding working ability of their family.
“At the young age of nine weeks, both are already showing signs that they will follow in their family’s paw prints”
In their first year they will be looked after and trained by Police Scotland dog unit instructors.Their work base will be the dog unit at Pollok Park in Glasgow, but they will stay at the home of their instructor.
And while their training will be stepped up as they grow older, the force stressed: “Don’t worry there will be plenty of opportunities for Buddy and Trio to have fun along the way.”
The force has promised to keep its Facebook followers posted with regular photos.
To make sure you don’t miss out, follow them at www.facebook.com/PoliceScotland.