Earlier this month, a rhesus macaque monkey adopted an adorable puppy in Rode, India. After watching the monkey defend the little dog from strays, the locals were so impressed that they set out food for the two unlikely friends. To everyone’s surprise, the caretaker monkey was so compassionate that it even let the cute puppy eat first!

“People who have seen the two adorable animals spoke of their strong mutual affection and described this animal friendship as the most caring thing in the world — to take care of a puppy in danger and protect him like a parent,” reports Zee News. “The undying affection of these two animal friends gives us a valuable lesson about relationships.”

More info: Facebook (h/t: thedodo, zeenews)

This puppy was rescued by a monkey

Image credits: dinamalar.com

It defended it from stray dogs

Image credits: dinamalar.com

It even fed the puppy, allowing it to eat first!

Image credits: dinamalar.com

The two became inseparable

Image credits: dinamalar.com

The monkey mom took care of the puppy as if it were her own

Image credits: dinamalar.com

Image credits: dinamalar.com

Image credits: dinamalar.com

The locals were so impressed, that they started leaving food out for them

Image credits: Parithitamil

“Their undying affection gives us a valuable lesson about relationships”

Image credits: Parithitamil