Three lambs who were taken in by an animal shelter after their mum died giving birth have formed an unbreakable bond with a female dog in their new home.

The adorable lambs were only a few weeks old when they were found in desperate need of food by animal activists and taken to the Pfotenhilfe animal shelter in the Austrian municipality of Lochen am See on Tuesday, 15th February.

After receiving first care, the little ones, who were named Mariechen, Tom and Jerry, were left to rest in their cozy basket next to the wood stove.

Not too long after their arrival at the shelter, the trio formed a close relationship with a female dog named Rosi, who, according to a Pfotenhilfe spokesperson, takes care of them as if they are her own.

Pfotenhilfe volunteer Johanna Stadler told Newsflash: “I find it particularly touching that Rosi – who was recently rescued by us herself – helps out and takes care of the babies with such self-sacrifice. A heartwarming sight, as if she had adopted them!”

Rosi, who was only recently abandoned at the Pfotenhilfe animal shelter, suffers from shortness of breath and lack of oxygen due to having been tortured by her previous owners.

She had to undergo a rhinoplasty, palate surgery and have her tonsils removed to help her breathe and remove the threat to her life.

Stadler, who believes that every life is worth protecting and saving, added: “Every year, I take care of orphans of all kinds, and of course I also helped Mariechen, Tom and Jerry straight away.”

She said: “It is always important to save lives, even if I have to make lots of sacrifices myself. The little ones get their bottle every four hours – even at night.”

According to Stadler, workers involved in meat and dairy production rarely rear orphaned lambs because of the effort they have to invest in them, so such lambs are often left to die.