Home wanted for blind Jack Terrier and HIS guide dog

An animal charity is struggling to re-home an abandoned blind Jack Terrier who comes with his very own – GUIDE DOG.

Brown and white hound Zac is totally blind after having his eyes removed five years ago and completely relies on his pal Lilli to guide him everywhere.

He stays inches from fellow Parson’s Jack Terrier Lilli’s side while guiding him on walks or to food or water, and lets him rest his head on her when he becomes tired or disorientated.

When they are together, ten year-old Zac is outwardly as capable as any other dog, but is virtually completely dependant on Lilli, also ten, to get around.

The pair have become inseparable since they were taken in as strays together a decade ago.

And in 2005, when an eye infection cost Zac his sight, Lilli stepped in to act as his eyes.

They were abandoned last month, when their previous owners moved abroad, and are now seeking a new home.

But Sarah Bussell, at the Blue Cross centre, in Tiverton, Devon, said Zac would be lost without Lilli, and the dogs had to be re-homed together.

She said: ”The pair simply have to be re-homed as a pair.

”They are totally inseparable and seem to have an almost telepathic understanding, which is quite amazing to see.

”Zak sniffs and smells Lilli and stays close to her so he can tell which way to go when they are out and about.

”She provides reassurance for him and actually physically guides him by nudging him in the right direction when he loses his way.

“Lilli stays by his side all the time and is very patient.

“She obviously knows he is different to the other dogs and is careful to walk round him and not knock into him too much.

“When he is off the lead they live together in the re-homing part of the shelter and they are really close.”

Zak was initially taken in by the Blue Cross centre many years ago when he was a pup.

But his devastated owner was forced to return him after she emigrated and couldn’t take her much loved dogs with her.

And now the charity has launched an appeal for new owners, preferably a nice family, to take the pair in, where they can live a quiet life with a good routine.

Sarah added: “Zak is a very affectionate chap and he enjoys attention.

“Because he can’t see, his others senses are heightened and his little tail starts wagging as soon as you walk in.

“He is still a very happy dog and lives a fulfilled life.

“His new owner would need to be aware not to move things around so that Zak can have a clear route around the house and he’d need to be on a lead when he goes on walks.

“In return Zak and Lilli would be such a rewarding companions and give lots of affection to whoever adopts them.”

Anyone interested in adopting Zak and Lilli should contact the Blue Cross on 01884 855291.