State lawmakers met a few new playful friends during a meeting on Friday.

NEADS World Class Service Dogs hosted a luncheon for Central Massachusetts state representatives. They had the chance to tour the facility, watch service dog demos and meet the newest litter of seven-week-old puppies.

The organization says it's important to educate lawmakers about the service dog industry.

“I think it's really important that everyone understands that we're producing world-class service dogs,” NEADS CEO Gerry DeRoche said. “We put a lot of time and energy in making sure we do that. We would want nothing less for our clients.”

NEADS, which has been in existence since 1976, will open a new breeding center next year.