Guide dog died days after blind Spaniel he looked after recovered her sight

A blind King Charles Spaniel who had her own guide dog has recovered her sight – but tragically lost her best pal. One-year-old Ellie’s vision has been restored after she underwent a cataracts operation. Ellie had relied on her big friend Leo the German Shepherd after he took to guiding her around and making sure other dogs didn’t get too close for comfort. But just a week after getting her sight back, her pal Leo had to be put down after he was found to have a tumor.

Owner Julie Lander said: "I’m absolutely over the moon that Ellie got her sight back, but I’m devastated that I have lost Leo. There was nothing anyone could do. He was one in a million." She said: "I felt so sorry for her when she arrived and knew she’d need a special home. But I also knew she would be all right with Leo, as he just loved little dogs and they took to one another straight away."

Leo became Ellie's eyes and she would follow him around before snuggling up to him. The RSPCA raised funds for her eye operation, which was carried out at the Animal Medical Center in Chorlton by vet Pip Boydell. But just a week after the successful operation, Julie discovered that 14-year-old Leo had a tumor and he had to be put to sleep. Julie said: "Ellie always went to Leo when she was nervous and he would always protect her.

"Their relationship didn’t change when she got her sight back. They touched noses when Ellie came home and just curled up together. It was quite touching." She added: "I’ve still got Ellie and I’ll give her all the love and devotion that I gave to Leo. It was almost as if he was here to make sure she was okay before he bowed out."