TWO devoted dogs who kept a three-day vigil by their dead owner's side should not be separated, say staff at an animal rescue centre.

Misty and Maxie stayed by their owner, a man in his 60s from Redcar, in east Cleveland, after he died suddenly from a heart attack.

Volunteers from Saltburn Animal Rescue Association (Sara) displayed Maxie, a seven-year-old collie-cross, and Misty, a five-year-old German Shepherd, at the bandstand in the east Cleveland town to try to find them a home.

Ann Prosser, dog re-homer at Sara, said they had been well looked-after and were used to people.

She said: "They are very nice dogs and Misty looks after Maxie. I don't think they could really cope without each other."

Six dogs shown at the bandstand on Saturday were reserved for new owners, subject to checks.

The website for Sara, which currently has 25 dogs, is www.s-a-r-a.org.uk.

Its helpline is (01287) 201005, Monday to Friday between 9am and 1pm.