A young donkey left to die on the side of the road after being hit by a car has been nursed back to health by its new puppy pal.

Gerreirinho the donkey was discovered in excruciating pain with three broken legs and brought back to the home of Zenith Gurgel in the Brazilian city of Fortaleza.

There, the foal struck up an unusual friendship with Zenith's puppy.

Little and large: The puppy took care of the donkey as he recovered

She named the donkey Guerreirinho, meaning little warrior, and over the weeks as he recovered, the tiny puppy stayed by his side.

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Pals: The puppy took an instant liking to his bigger mate

The heart warming scenes have been recorded on video and have been a big hit on social media in the city, located in the east Brazilian state of Ceara.

Vets: The donkey now needs an operation after suffering three broken legs

The publicity on Facebook has also helped Zenith raise enough money needed for Guerreirinho to have an operation and get back on his hooves again.