A blind border collie and his best friend - who acts as his guide dog - are in need of a new home.

Roy and Bess, who are both nine years old, were found tied up in woods in Cumbria, and they were taken to a local RSPCA branch in Kendal.

The charity thinks the pair were once working dogs on a farm but were abandoned because their owner could no longer take care of them.

Because of Roy's condition, the RSPCA wants to find a home where they can grow old together.

Roy is blind in one eye and his sight seriously impaired in the other, so Bess acts as his guide dog.


RSPCA manager Christine Lowe said: "They are both lovely, friendly, happy dogs who deserve a home where they'll get all of the affection they crave as they come into their senior years."

A description of the pups online says: "Bess and Roy are VERY special indeed! They were brought to us by one of our inspectors who discovered them tied up in woodland (we believe their owner had fallen on hard times).

"They are lovely, happy dogs and don't ask for much; they really don't need 5-star accommodation. All they want is to be looked after together as they grow older.

"Some food, a walk and somewhere sheltered to sleep and they would be very content indeed. Please get in touch if you can help Bess and Roy."

Image: The pair were found tied up in the woods in Cumbria

The collies have never lived in a home environment and have spent most of their lives outside, which means they are not house trained.

Despite that, they are happy to be left at home alone for small periods of time, and understand basic commands such as "sit".

The RSPCA says the pair would be best suited to a home with no cats, and would fit in well with a family with older children.

Roy and Bess are part of the RSPCA's elderly animal re-homing scheme, meaning their new owners will get financial help with vet bills.

Ms Lowe said: "They need a home where they can live out their days in comfort with someone who understands their unique needs."