Dogs are known for their loyalty towards humans - but one stray dog has been proving how this trait extends to other dogs too.
When Marley - a German shepherd - was tragically hit by a car and left for dead, an unknown dog came and sat alongside her until help arrived.
Refusing to leave her side, the stray dog - who has been named Murphy - waited hours for somebody to stop their car and check on her new canine companion.
Suzette Hall, of Dream Fetchers: Project Rescue, picked the dogs up from a busy road in Muscoy, California, after receiving a phone call about them.
She said: "Murphy laid by her side until we rescued both of them.
"This was one of those car rides where I prayed the entire time. I honestly thought she died in my car and I was in tears."
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Touch by Murphy's commitment to the injured dog, she let the pair cuddle up with each other during their journey, enabling Murphy to comforting her through the pain.
Once they arrived at the vets, Marley was taken into an operation room to undergo major surgeries to correct her long list of injures caused in the accident.
It was at this point when they discovered she was pregnant.
"One of her legs needed to amputated and the other required surgery to repair," said Suzette. "She was made to feel loved and comfortable. This girl had my heart immediately."
"The amazing ICARE. Dog Rescue team and her amazing foster mum, Chrissy Johnson, took over from there to help her - we were and still are forever grateful.
"Four surgeries later, ICARE never gave up on her."
Between her surgeries and giving birth 11 healthy puppies, Murphy stayed by Marley's side in their shared cage until she secured a new home.
Suzette added: "Murphy was there with her and staying close by his best friend.
"ICARE made sure all her puppies got amazing homes and now Marley has an amazing home.
"She plays princess with her human sister and loves the property that she lives on with her new family."
Although Murphy stayed behind at Dream Fetchers: Project Rescue to undergo his own treatments at the vets, it is hoped the pair will be reunited soon.
Dream Fetchers: Project Rescue works to rescue dogs who have been "let down by humans".
A statement reads: "We collaborate with like-minded animal lovers that are dedicated to being a voice for those who cannot speak, to save them from the neglect, abuse, and hopelessness they are in to a life of new beginning and promise.
"Our affiliates see the beauty within each rescue, not caring as to how a dog looks or if they aren’t a pedigree.
"They see each little life as precious, vowing that each will learn love and trust and know that they are not disposable - they are valued.
"Together we will restore their spirit so that their tails can wag once again.
"We are an entire canine community comprised of loving, self-less souls, determined to protect, cherish, and raise a rescue dog.
"No drama, no gossip, no judgement, no ulterior motives – just united in operation under the guise that every animal has the best ability to become a healthy and happy pet if the entire community takes an active role in contributing to the nurturing of the dog.
"We share leads, requests, opportunities, needs, pleas, and resources while harmoniously striving towards our common end goal in mind – save as many lives as we can, one paw at a time."
Do you have a cute dog story to sell? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
