A blind staffie cross has been given his own guide dog to help him with everyday tasks such as finding his water bowl.
Amos has become inseparable from his little helper Toby, a nine-year-old border terrier, since they were teamed together permanently in August last year.
Owner Jess Martin, 27, said that Toby has increasingly grown into the role and even defends his new ward from attacks by other dogs during visits to the park.
ess, who works in HR for the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, adopted Amos from the rescue centre where she volunteered in Manchester.
As Amos was born blind, Jess took it upon herself to adopt the pet as she knew it would be tricky finding him a new home.
Toby the nine-year-old border terrier stands guard over his new best friend Amos, who is blind
Amos has become inseparable from his little helper Toby since they were teamed together permanently in August last year
Jess, who works in HR for the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, adopted Amos (pictured cuddlig up to Toby) from the rescue centre where she volunteered in Manchester
She says that although a bit wary of Amos at first, Toby soon took to protecting his new housemate before helping him around the home.
Jess said: ‘Toby was the best present I ever got. He is very independent, and he likes his own space so we were a bit concerned to see how accepting he would be.
‘I thought it would be very difficult to find an owner and while Amos was on medical care for four months, we decided to foster him in February last year.
‘But after a while we realised we would never give him back.
‘At the beginning Toby growled at him a few times and then ignored him; Amos came from a kennel so doesn’t know how to socialise with other dogs.
‘After a couple of days, I saw that Amos couldn’t find his water bowl and Toby nudged him and helped him out.’
Owner Jess Martin (pictured) said that Toby has increasingly grown into the role and even defends his new ward from attacks by other dogs during visits to the park
Although a bit wary of Amos at first, Toby soon took to protecting his new housemate before helping him around the home
Jess and her partner Billy Howe, 27, decided to adopt the pup in August 2018 after a successful trial.
She added: ‘When we went out on walks Amos was very scared, especially of the noises and Toby quickly picked up that he needed help.
‘Every time Amos was stopping, Toby would go and lie next to him till he would be ready.
‘They have developed a nice communication between them, and they know each others’ boundaries.
‘Amos’ main problem is other dogs don’t like him when they approach him, obviously because he cannot communicate the same way, so he doesn’t have other friends.
‘Toby is always there to protect him – we call him his “bodyguard”.’
As Amos was born blind, Jess took it upon herself to adopt the pet as she knew it would be tricky finding him a new home
Jess and her partner Billy Howe, 27, decided to adopt the pup in August 2018 after a successful trial.
