Is there anything better than helping someone in need who can't help themselves? It is absolutely one of the noblest things we can do.

The folks at Northeast Animal Rescue in China have dedicated their lives to just that, working as volunteers in under-served areas.

Strays in these places grow up in streets full of trash marked with abandoned factories. Because China has no national program for strays or shelters, it's up to volunteers and local groups to fill in the gaps and give these animals a chance.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

In a video of a rescue shared by Northeast Animal Rescue on Facebook, a stray puppy approaches rescuers and barks, eager for help.

But instead of jumping into the waiting arms of a rescuer, the pup (later named Rocky) follows their example -- they don't know it yet, but he's doing his best to help someone in need, too.

Photo: Facebook/The Dodo

The group follows the insistent pup as he climbs up several sets of stairs (no easy feat for a puppy only a few months old at most!), puzzled by his behavior.

He's clearly not running away, yet he is insistently leading the rescuers towards a dilapidated building a short distance away.

There, they find out why -- he's got a brother!

Photo: Facebook/The Dodo

The blond pup, later named Buddy, was found in a corner, probably too scared or possibly hurt. Fortunately, Rocky was looking out for his family.

Both were rescued that day, and given all the love they needed, plus a bath and some milk!

Photo: flickr/wsilver

While things are hard for strays in China, at least these two were looking out for each other and got the help they needed.

Watch the full video below, courtesy of The Dodo:

https://www.facebook.com/thedodosite/videos/1693532130840297

You can see more rescues from the Northeast Animal Rescue team on YouTube or Facebook.