“I think Dash knew he needed his buddy.”

Peyton and his faithful dog Dash are pretty much pros at having a good time together — but during those not-so-fun moments in life, their adorable bond doesn’t break.

In fact, it only seems to grow stronger.

Jillian Marie Smith

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

“Dash has made life happier for the whole family,” she said. “Most of all, for Peyton. If you ask Peyton, Dash is his buddy.”

Like all rambunctious little kids, Peyton occasionally needs consequences to steer him away from problem behavior. So, after picking a fight with his sister the other day, Smith and her husband agreed he should spend a few minutes in time-out to think about why that wasn’t OK.

Though hardly a harsh sentence, Dash evidently couldn’t stand to see his friend face it alone.

When Smith checked on her son, she saw this: Dash by his side, having put himself in time-out, too:

“I couldn’t be mad long because it was just so cute how Peyton wrapped his arm around Dash,” Smith said. “When Peyton had to go to time-out, I think Dash knew he needed his buddy.”

Before long, Peyton’s time-out came to an end — and, of course, Dash’s did as well.

This likely won’t be the last time Peyton finds himself in a little hot water. But as he navigates the road of early life, and experiences all those lessons learned along the way, it’s reassuring to know that his best dog friend will be by his side through it all.

Dash clearly wouldn’t have it any other way.