A elderly dog has a new lease on life after an excitable rescue puppy joined his family and now the pair are best friends.

After losing his brother Timber two years ago, Chester, a 12-year-old German shorthaired pointer, became a "grumpy old man". "

Owner Emily Gill, 24, was introduced to puppy Max through her work as an animal behaviourist five months ago.

And it wasn't long before Chester accepted Max into the family.

Now Chester and Max are best friends and they even cuddle up and sleep together.

Emily, an animal behaviourist from Newport, South Wales, said: "It was quite emotional for us as a family actually."

"After we lost our old dog Timber, who was two years older than Chester, he became a proper grumpy old man."

"But since Max has been in our lives, Chester is acting like a puppy again."

Emily agreed to take Max in when he was just five months old.

Max's family had brought him in for some behavioural training but they realised they had bitten off more than they could chew.

They asked Emily if she could take him on to train and then rehome him.

But instead of rehoming him, Emily kept him as Chester showed instant connection with Max.

Emily said: "Max fit into our house really well because Chester showed an instant connection, which he has never shown with any other dogs."

"That's when we knew Max is the right fit for us."

As part of her job Emily will have dogs or other animals in the home for training sessions.

But up until now Chester has been quite indifferent to them.

It all changed when Max joined the family home.

Emily said: "I often have puppies in the house during the day for training sessions but Chester has usually kept his distance before, knowing they'll leave by the end of the day and he'll have his home back."

"By Max's third night staying with us, I think Chester figured this one wasn't leaving like the rest, so he shared his bed with him."

"He even rested his head on Max's body as a way to cuddle."

"I feel like he knew Max needed that friendship and guidance."

Since Max has joined the family home, Chester is like puppy again.

He has started showing interest in his toys again and runs around and play with Max.

Emily said: "They like to play together in the same way Chester played with Timber. "

"They like playing tug-of-war over their toys or racing each other on walks."

"It's made all of use really happy to see this friendship bring new life to our old dog so he always has someone to play with."