A tale of true friendship: Dog keeps watch over friend until they are rescued

VASHON, WA -- A true test of friendship. Tillie and Phoebe were two missing dogs, and after a week they were finally found -- with one of the dogs keeping vigil over the other.

According to WXIN, the dogs had been missing from Vashon Island Pet Protectors, a nonprofit animal rescue organization.

Vashon Island Pet Protectors received a post on their Facebook page from a community member reporting a "reddish" dog had been coming up to them on their property for the past few days, and then promptly heading back into a ravine.

VIPP volunteers went to the ravine and after a bit of searching, they heard the sound of dogs.

After calling out the dog's name, Tillie, they got a one-woof response.

Tillie was found laying beside an old cistern with her head resting on the concrete wall -- and the other dog, Phoebe, stuck in the cistern.

Nearly a week missing, and Tillie stayed by her side with the exception of a few minutes each day when she went to find help.

VIPP reports both dogs made it back to the shelter, and they are doing well once again. They call the relationship between Tillie and Phoebe "a humbling example of the power of love."