When ten-year-old Zac went blind his companion Lilli stepped in to prove that a dog’s best friend is … another dog.

Now Zac, who had his eyes removed five years ago, relies on his fellow Jack Russell terrier to guide him everywhere.

He stays inches from her side on walks, and she lets him rest his head on her when he becomes tired or disorientated.

Leading the way: Zac, right, and his guide dog Lilli are looking for a new home
The pair have been inseparable since they were taken in as stray pups a decade ago, and when an eye infection cost Zac his sight, Lilli became his guide dog.

The pair’s owner has moved abroad and they are seeking a new home. Sarah Bussell, of the Blue Cross charity in Tiverton, Devon, said Zac would be lost without Lilli, and the dogs had to be re-homed together.

She said: ‘’They are totally inseparable and seem to have an almost telepathic understanding, which is quite amazing to see.

Inseparable: Zac, left, lost his eyes after an infection and now relies on fellow terrier Lilli to be his guide dog
‘Zak sniffs and smells Lilli and stays close to her so he can tell which way to go when they are out and about.

‘She provides reassurance for him and actually physically guides him by nudging him in the right direction when he loses his way. Lilli stays by his side all the time and is very patient.

‘She obviously knows he is different to the other dogs and is careful to walk round him and not knock into him too much.

‘When he is off the lead they live together in the re-homing part of the shelter and they are really close.’

This is not the first time Zac has been in care as he was first taken in by the Blue Cross centre many years ago when he was a pup. However his devastated owner was forced to return him after she emigrated and couldn’t take her beloved dogs with her.

Affectionate chap: Zac likes attention

Team terrier: Blue Cross workers Carly Jarman and Rachel Sirdefield with Zac and Lilli. Staff say the two dogs share a ‘telepathic understanding’