The beauty of animals and how they help each other.  Thanks to Petville for alerting us to this story, and UK Manchester Evening News for doing this story:

From the UK’s Evening Manchester News:

When you’ve suffered such a bad start in life and are only so small, it could feel scary having a dog this size looming over you.

But this little blind mite, one of a litter of five rescued by RSPCA inspectors, has found her champion in new friend Leo. The German Shepherd cross, which weighs over 40 kilos, has become little Ellie’s eyes.

Jean Spencer, manager of the Rochdale RSPCA animal shelter in Redcross Street, explained: “Ellie has cataracts on both eyes and is only aware of shadows.

“But Leo, who’s an absolutely massive dog, has become her eyes. It’s touching to watch them together – she follows him around and snuggles up to him.”

Leo’s owner, who has also adopted Ellie, is RSPCA volunteer Julie Lander.

She said: “As well as having cataracts, Ellie’s eye muscles haven’t developed as they should have as she’d been kept in the dark. The puppies had no light or heating.

“I felt so sorry for her when she arrived her and knew she’d need a special home.

“But I also knew she would be all right with Leo, as he just loves little dogs and they took to one another straight away.”

Julie, who lives in Royton, added: “I take them for walks in the park and Leo guides Ellie around. He is so protective and herds the more boisterous dogs away from her.”

Jean said: “Ellie needs an operation which will cost £2,500, but we need to raise the money and she needs to get a little bit bigger.”

Deputy manager of the animal shelter Chan Taylor had already pledged to raise money through a parachute jump before Ellie’s arrival.

She explained: “I originally wanted to do it for Blue, my own dog. He arrived here in a state of collapse two years ago after being pumped full of drugs. The vet’s bill was £2,000.

“I fell for him and adopted him, now I want to give something back.”

The centre, which is self-funding, is also full to capacity with 83 cats and kittens – among them Oakley, another of Chan’s favourites.

She said: “He’s a tabby and white kitten and was found on an allotment, just a few days old. There were three, but a magpie was seen taking off with one of the kittens and Oakley’s sister didn’t make it.

“My original sponsorship target for the parachute jump was £1,500. So far just over £1,000 has been pledged, but if I can raise more it will also help pay for Ellie’s operation.”

Jumping from 10,000ft Chan’s fund-raiser is due to take place tomorrow (Sunday) from the Black Knights Parachute Centre in Cockerham. She said: “It’s been cancelled once but hopefully there will be no further setbacks. I would really appreciate people sponsoring me.”

To do so, go to the Just Giving charity website link via www.rspca-rochdale.org.uk – or call the animal shelter on 861897.