A PARTIALLY blind dog and her best friend, a Staffie cross who helps her get around, have launched an appeal to help unwanted animals enjoy the Christmas they deserve.

Willows Veterinary Group, which runs Beech House Surgery on Wilderspool Causeway and Orford Lane Surgery, is urging animal lovers to donate pet food, toys and blankets.

The campaign received a boost from Cheshire Dogs’ Home residents five-year-old Shar Pei Ruby and two-year-old Ellie.

The pair struck up an incredible bond at the Knutsford Road centre and this will be Ruby’s third Christmas in kennels.

When she arrived she was suffering from a condition that makes her eyelids and eyelashes grow inwards, so she has trouble seeing and relies on Ellie to be her own personal guide dog.

Will Featonby, 27, who cares for the pair at the home, said: “Ellie is Ruby’s unofficial guide dog and protector.

“Ellie came to us as a five-month old pup and we put her in with Ruby for company because we had realised how calm and much happier Ruby was when she was around other dogs.

“They became the very best of friends almost immediately.

“When you take them out anywhere, Ellie will always lead and Ruby just keep close to her hind leg.

“If they meet any other dogs, Ellie will always check them out first and if they get her seal of approval then she will let Ruby say hello.”

The Pawsome Pets Christmas appeal was inspired by dogs like Ruby and Ellie, after Willows Veterinary Group Marketing Manager David Crane visited Cheshire Dogs’ Home.

He said: “When I visited the dogs’ home recently, I found it hard to walk around and see all the little eyes looking up at me and knowing there’s no way I could take all of them home and I felt we were in a position to do even more this Christmas by launching this appeal.”

Donations can be dropped off at any Willows Veterinary Group Surgery by December 18 and visit willowsvetgroup.co.uk for more information.

Anybody interested in rehoming Ruby and Ellie can visit dogshome.net to find out more.