In a heartbreaking story, a loyal dog was found just hours from death after he was discovered by the side of his deceased guardian in her rural home in Scotland.

It's thought the devoted 9-year-old Jack Russell cross named Jack, had remained by her side for eight days without food or water. Jack and the elderly woman's body were found after worried friends raised the alarm.

Much like Greyfriars Bobby, a dog who guarded the grave of his dead guardian for 15 years, Jack steadfastly refused to the leave the side of his guardian and had to be pried away from her side.

Jack was severely emaciated and dehydrated and had to be rushed to the veterinarian, where he spent a week on an IV drip and special diet to regain his strength.

It's believed the 72-year old woman passed away from natural causes. Jack was adopted by the woman five years ago from the Help for Abandoned Animals Charity, an organization she volunteered for. On several occasions, she fostered abandoned animals they received and Jack was one of those abandoned dogs. Except when she met Jack, she fell in love with him. Jack loved her as much as she loved him, and the two were inseparable.

Jack is now being looked after by Ian Robb, founder of the Help for Abandoned Animals Charity. Ian said the dog's condition is "touch and go". He told the Courier UK, "The wee man is not out of the woods yet. He is a very, very sad wee boy at the moment." He added, "But he's fighting and hopefully with a bit of time he'll make it."

Jack is making slow progress every day, and Ian and the rescue's volunteers are hopeful he will have a happy ending after his tragic ordeal.

To see "wee" Jack recovering, visit STV to watch a video.

• Jack Russell cross
• Scotland