They say dog is a man's best friend, and a black labrador in New Zealand has proved it once again.
9-year-old James Isaac, who is autistic, visited a Wellington hospital to get an MRI scan last week.
His service dog, Mahe, was there with him.
Image: Facebook/James Isaac
Mahe stayed in the room with James throughout, only being taken out of the room for the duration of the scan.
A hospital photographer captured photos of Mahe lying in bed beside Isaac, as well as the pair lounging in the hospital.
Image: Facebook/James Isaac
James cannot speak, and recoils from touch and eye contact with his family.
James's mother, Michelle Isaac, told stuff.co.nz: "For Mahe, James is his best mate, he is all about James".
Image: Facebook/James Isaac
"He was just looking at James, and looking really worried", she added.
Assistance Dogs New Zealand say Mahe was with them for 12 months - including six months intensive training - and have posted this video:
This autism assistant black labrador follows his best friend everywhere... even into his hospital bed.
Posted by AJ+ on Tuesday, 23 February 2016
