Farm dog helps out where she can

A ten-year-old springer spaniel called Jess has learned to bottle feed lambs on her owner's farm.

Since their mother was unable to do so, the four Dorset Horn lambs now turn to Jess for their feeds. The clever dog patiently holds the bottle in her mouth until they have suckled all the milk away.

It is no surprise that owner Louise Moorhouse is glad of the extra pair of paws - her 180 acre farm in Dartmoor, Devon, has over 270 sheep.

Jess not only plays mum to the lambs, but also carries buckets of feed and farm equipment around for Louise, who says the dog will carry anything you ask her to.

The sheep will lick, nuzzle and belly rub Jess, in return for being number one helper.

"Jess has been around sheep her whole life and she is not frightened of the large ewes," said Louise. "I taught her to hold the milk bottle in her mouth and she did the rest."

There is also a young apprentice at the farm, Lily the cocker spaniel, who is hoped to one day take over from Jess's farm assistant role.