The old saying says that everyone thinks they have the best dog ever, and no one is wrong.
If you grew up with a family dog, you probably have a lifetime of happy memories about them.
But a dog isn't just good for your soul, they also make you healthy and happy.
Studies have proven that dog ownership boosts everything from your mood to your heart health.
And there are plenty of stories about dogs who have repaid their loving owners by saving their lives.
In case you're still not convinced your kids need a dog to snuggle up with, these photos should do the trick.
1. A gentle giant
2. On lookout
3. Sounds like he has a big heart
4. Nap time!
5. Real friends share everything
6. All smiles
7. "Welcome to the family"
8. A hug says it all
9. A girl and her bear
10. I can see the resemblance
11. Haatchi and Owen
Haatchi has been through a lot, which explains why he has so much love for Owen.
He was found abandoned and tied to a railway line, and had lost a leg before he was rescued.
Owen has a rare and uncomfortable genetic condition called Schwartz-Jampel, and Haatchi knows just how to comfort him.
12. A friend for life
13. What's cooking?
14. Good boy!
15. The perfect nanny
16. "Say cheese!"
17. The neighborhood watch
18. Heart to heart
19. Up to no good
20. Friends young and old
21. A smooch from a pooch
22. Guard dogs stick *very* close to their family
23. A boy and his pardner
24. "Can I keep him?"
25. Who's walking who?
26. Family bonding
27. Just the right size for a hug
28. Twins? How cute!
29. They'll match up in a few years
30. "A little help, mom?"
31. Fun in the sun
32. Almost enough dogs, almost
33. And people say dogs don't care about us
34. Those smiles say it all
35. All tuckered out
36. Prada and Mason
Kelly Charron shared this photo of her rescue dog, Prada, comforting her sick son, Mason.
"I left the room once he fell back asleep...when I returned to my son's room, this is what I found...Prada next to Mason hugging him asleep also."