“Pick of the Litter,” a documentary capturing the two-year journey of five puppies that become service animals, opens Dec. 14 at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center.

From the time they were born, Patriot, Potomac, Primrose, Poppet, and Phil were primed for careers as guide dogs. “Pick of the Litter” follows this path as the puppies move throughout rigorous training and testing, preparing for their ultimate role as trusted human companions.

While heartwarming, the film is also an eye-opening look at the extent it takes to train a service animal.

Trailer: "Pick of the Litter"

“Pick of the Litter” plays through Dec. 20.

For more information, including show times, visit the Ross website or call 402-472-5353.