Two dogs who formed a special connection while at a rescue centre are waiting to be adopted this Christmas.

Shyla and Paddy, both medium-sized crossbreeds, are being fostered by Safe Rescue for Dogs in Norwich after being rescued from Romania.

Five-year-old Shyla has had a difficult journey so far and was described as 'untouchable' while she was being rehabilitated before being put up for adoption.

Norwich Evening News: Shyla is five and Paddy (in the background) is twoShyla is five and Paddy (in the background) is two (Image: Safe Rescue for Dogs)

A spokesman from Safe Rescue for Dogs said: "Shyla was super nervous and jumpy, always on high alert and I couldn't even touch her to get a lead on her.

"She was being picked on a bit by the other dogs in our care - but then she would panic when she was away from them.

"But that was until Paddy came to the rescue, and Shyla instantly loved him."

Paddy, who is larger than Shyla, is a very friendly dog who loves playing with his friends and being part of a pack.

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Once the two-year-old boy came into the care of the Norwich shelter, no other dogs picked on Shyla again and he boosted her confidence - although she will sometimes hide between his legs when she gets spooked.

Norwich Evening News: Shyla instantly loved Paddy when he came to Safe Rescue for DogsShyla instantly loved Paddy when he came to Safe Rescue for Dogs (Image: Safe Rescue for Dogs)

The spokesman added: "We'd really love to keep Paddy and Shyla together, that would be amazing - but we know that's a big ask.

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"Rehoming a dog can be a really difficult in this current financial climate, and taking on two dogs is nothing short of a miracle.

"But as it's Christmas, maybe someone out there could actually make that miracle happen."

Safe Rescue for Dogs is a registered charity and the team would like to be kept updated with the dogs' progress.

For more information, you can contact the charity on saferescuerehoming@outlook.com.

The charity's adoption fee is on average £350 depending on the dog.