Sometimes we all wish Disney films could come true - and it seems one musical has done just that.
An abandoned dog and pig duo have been dubbed "the real Timon and Pumbaa" after rescuers spotted how inseparable they were.
The chihuahua and pot belly pig have melted the hearts of staff at Better Piggies Rescue, in Phoenix, Arizona, US, for their uncanny similarities to The Lion King.
Adorable images and videos show the unlikely pals, who are named after the warthog and meerkat Disney characters, relaxing with Timon balanced on Pumbaa's back.
Sanctuary owner Danielle Betterman hails their relationship as "like a Disney film" and admits they'd be "lost" without each other.
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The 40-year-old says their owner was imprisoned, so the pair stuck together to pull through their abandonment and towards a better life.
Pumbaa is believed to be 10-15 years old, with Timon just six to eight months - but their huge age gap doesn't affect their friendship.
Just like the famous 'Hakuna Matata' saying goes, Timon and Pumbaa really have no worries when they're together.
Danielle said: "They're like the real Timon and Pumbaa. He'll jump on Pumbaa and hitch a ride for like 20 minutes and they'll go in the pool together.
"They do it all the time. Timon tries to jump on the other pigs and they don't know what's happening and want her to get off.
"It's two unlikely animal friends. They went through a trauma together and I think that's why they're so close. It was clear from the start they're so attached to each other.
"It was crazy when I heard about them. Usually we don't take dogs.
"Timon is so cute, so he'd have been adopted immediately, but I didn't want Pumbaa to suffer if his friend was taken away.
"We thought they'd be lost without each other. When Timon was taken to the rescue centre to be neutered, Pumbaa would just cry and it was the same when Pumbaa was being evaluated.
"It's quite an age gap. Usually an older pig is more grumpy and they're napping, but then you have this excitable puppy and it usually doesn't match. With them it does.
"It's amazing to see them keep the strong bond even when faced with new friends and new surroundings."
Danielle opened the sanctuary site in 2019 and she and other volunteers currently look after more than 145 pigs, with Timon being one of a few other animals they have.
She believes the trauma of their previous owner disappearing after being imprisoned has led to their close bond.
Danielle expects Pumbaa to spend the rest of his life at the sanctuary due to his age and Timon will be staying right by his side.
A video charting their bond has more than 80,000 views on YouTube, with some describing it as "touching" and "charming", while others thank the sanctuary for keeping the unlikely duo together.
One commented: "What a beautiful rescue and the relationship between Pumbaa and Timon is utterly charming. Thanks so much for sharing this amazing story with all of us!"
A second said: "This is a very touching story. I'm glad the two rescues were able to remain together and in addition, have their lives further enriched in such a wonderful sanctuary. I wish you all the very best."
A third added: "Timon's little cheeky smile when he rides Pumbaa's back!"
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