Taking the lead: The guide dog that helps his blind best friend get around

This pair of pugs are firm friends with a very special relationship - one acting as the eyes of the other.

Franky acts as a guide dog to his fellow pug Elly, helping on walks or to find food and water because she isn't able to find her own way.

The duo, both four years old, are inseparable, with white-coated Elly following Franky everwhere he leads. She sniffs the air to find her friend, the nuzzles into his side to trot along with him.

Special relationship: Elly (top), the blind pug, relies on her best friend Franky (bottom) to help her to find her way around on walks and to get food and water

But their special relationship poses a challenge for RSPCA workers who are trying to find a home for them both together.

Vets nursed the duo back to health after they were found in poor conditions, and hope someone will come forward who is prepared to house them both together.

Elaine Buchan, manager of the RSPCA centre in Newport, South Wales, said: 'This little duo obviously love each other very much.

'Franky is extremely boisterous and playful and Elly is very affectionate and cuddly. He looks out for her and provides support while guiding her on walks or to food or water.

'They both like to partake in doggy delights such as playing with toys and sniffing trees, but it is clear to centre they did not have that life before.'

Best friends: Elly sniffs the air to locate Franky, then nuzzles his side so he can lead the way

Inseparable: RSPCA workers in Newport, south Wales, hope that someone will come forward who can offer Elly and Franky a home together

Both Franky and Elly need operations before they can be rehomed, but their vets are confident that the dogs will be a delight to anyone willing to take them in.

Mrs Buchan added: 'There's absolutely no option of homing them separately as it would break their hearts and also be wholly impractical.