There are many people living around the world right now who would be lost without the help of a guide dog.
These incredible animals make life far easier for many blind or partially-sighted individuals, and it takes a very special pooch to make it as a guide dog.
However, it seems as though even other dogs sometimes need a helping paw.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/CFcZXz2JqIU/]]
Case in point: this week the internet has fallen in love with an adorable golden retriever puppy, after he became a guide dog to another dog who lost his vision.
Per a recent report by Somerset Live, the 12-year-old dog who was in need of some assistance is called Tao, who had both of his eyes removed in February 2019 due to glaucoma.
The dog's owner, Melanie Jackson, who hails from Somerset, England, helped Tao adapt to the loss of his sight with rigorous training. But Melanie believed he still needed a friend.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/CFblkxiJ5c9/]]
To that end, she introduced a new member to their family: eight-week-old puppy Oko, who has become Tao's seeing-eye dog, and inseparable companion.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/CFK0MJqpH_r/]]
The two dogs are now so close that Melanie has launched an Instagram page documenting their special friendship, and regularly posts pictures of the pair playing together and enjoying each other's company.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/CFWh2TbpQTY/]]
The duo's 16.9K Instagram followers are also treated to snaps of them going out on walkies, as Oko helps Tao to play outside and run around as much as he wants.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/CFZDENgJKtt/]]
In the caption for a recent video of the two dogs playing together, Melanie wrote:
"This means the world to me – as you all know Tao is totally blind (no eyes). He is such an amazing dog and has adjusted so well to his new life."
But he didn’t quite have the confidence to run, let alone run ahead. He was comfortable following me. Oko has given him that confidence."
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/CFTo4EapvpH/]]
So if you'd like to keep up with Tao and little Oko, then why not follow their Instagram page for more updates from them in the future?