El Dorado Dog Takes Nurturing Role After Lamb's Mother Dies

EL DORADO HILLS (CBS13) - A lamb and dog, an unlikely pair, seems to be made for each other. It's probably not the first thing you imagine as fast friends, but it works.

Clover -- only 10 days old -- is a Barbados cross lamb that has found an unusual friend in Holly, a golden retriever.

"A young animal, like a herding animal, like a sheep, they stress out very easily," said Linda Lewis, All About Equine Animal Rescue.

Clover never had a chance to know her own mom, who died shortly after giving birth.

"We tried to minimize the stress it was causing Clover and Holly stepped up to the plate," said Lewis.

Also a rescue, Holly knows what it's like to feel abandoned.

"They still have the basic needs. Holly is maternal and Clover needed someone to help care for her," said Lewis.

The two are now inseparable. When Holly gets up, little Clover isn't too far behind.

"Holly lays down, the lamb lays next to her and that little lamb feels Holly's heartbeat, feels the warmth of Holly against her," said Lewis.

The two have an uncommon bond, but one that reminds us how you look is not as important as how you feel.

"It doesn't matter. It's just what's in the heart. Obviously animals have that same heart," said Lewis.

Now, both Clover and Holly will get to live together and stay friends for the rest of their lives.

Holly is a big help to the ranch when kids visit. All About Equine Animal Rescue says Clover will do that job nicely as well.