A dog in Australia has adopted an orphaned lamb.

Zoe the dalmatian bonded with the spotted dorper-cross on the farm where they both live in Barossa Valley.

Owner John Bolton believes Zoe might have mistaken the creature for one of her own offspring.

He said: "She's in season at the moment and just happened to be in season and sort of feeling that mothering instinct at a time when this lamb was there.

"So, it just seemed to be quite a natural thing for her to pick this up and have something to mother."

As well as happy companionship, there are other benefits to their friendship, as Zoe makes sure the lamb is clean and happy.

The owners have offered to sell the lamb to a good home if anyone is interested.