This adorable puppy needs to find a new home with his dad because he is his guide dog

This adorable father-and-son dog tag team must find a new home together – because one is the other’s guide dog.

Shih Tzu puppy Stevie needs a helping paw from his father Max because he was born blind.

The 18-month-old white Bichon Frise was born blind because of microphthalmia – a condition which means the eyes do not develop properly.

Despite not having any training, his three-year-old dad Max has taken on the role of guide dog, and Stevie follows him around by sound and smell.

The pair are looking for a new home together after they were left with the Blue Cross animal charity shelter in Burford, Oxfordshire, on June 22.

Laura Crofts, a small animal unit manager for the charity, said: ‘Max takes good care of Stevie – he helps his son to get around and gives him confidence.

‘It’s really sweet to see the strong bond they have – they really are inseparable.

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‘Stevie takes it all in his stride as long as Max is by his side and doesn’t let his condition get in the way of life at all.

‘They’re both very friendly and love everyone and everything. They’ll will make the perfect addition to any family.’

Max and Stevie were brought to the Blue Cross from a charity in Wales after their previous owner gave them up because of ill health.

Ms Crofts said: ‘It must have been such a difficult decision for their previous owner.

‘But they made the right decision as responsible pet lovers to rehome their two dogs as they could no longer look after them through no fault of their own.

‘Blind pets can make as good a pet as any other.

‘They just need a bit of time to settle into their new surroundings and to get used to the layout of their new home.

‘We advise owners to keep household furniture and the pet’s possessions, such as their water bowl and litter tray, in the same place so that the pet cat or dog can build up a mental map of their new home. A secure garden is also a must.’

Anna Wodzianski, 28, an animal welfare assistant at the unit who has been looking after the pair, said: ‘They’re very sweet dogs.

‘They are such good natured and lovely dogs – they are best pals. If one leaves the room then comes back in, they do greet each other quite happily.

‘When they are separated they both get anxious, especially Stevie. But Stevie is a little bit more adventurous, for some reason not having the eyesight makes him a bit mischievous.

‘He can sense when Max is close, and seems to be more relaxed when they are together. Max didn’t have any formal training to be a guide dog – we believe he picked it up himself.’