“I think Dash knew he needed his friend.”

Peyton and her trusty dog Dash are practically professionals when it comes to having a good time together, but during those not-so-fun times in life, their adorable bond isn’t broken.

In fact, it only seems to get stronger.

Peyton’s mom, Jillian Marie Smith, knew right away that Dash’s presence in her home would bring a whole new level of joy and comfort. And it does.

“Dash has made life happier for the whole family,” he said. “Especially for Peyton. If you ask Peyton, Dash is her friend.”

Like all rambunctious toddlers, Peyton occasionally needs consequences to steer him away from problem behavior. So, after fighting with his sister the other day, Smith and her husband agreed that he should take a few minutes of time out to figure out why that wasn’t right.

Although it wasn’t a harsh sentence, Dash evidently couldn’t bear to see his friend face it alone.

When Smith checked on his son, he saw this: Dash at his side, having also timed out:

“I couldn’t stay mad for long because it was so cute how Peyton put her arm around Dash,” Smith said. “When Peyton had to go to timeout, I think Dash knew he needed his friend.”

Before long, Peyton’s timeout came to an end and, of course, Dash’s too.

This probably won’t be the last time Peyton finds himself in trouble. But as he walks the path of his first years of life and experiences all the lessons learned along the way, it’s reassuring to know that his best dog friend will be by his side at all times.

Dash clearly wouldn’t have it any other way.