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.
![Dog kiss](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/Dog-Kiss.jpg)
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
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/5-2.jpg)
2. On lookout
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/7-2.jpg)
3. Sounds like he has a big heart
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/3-9.jpg)
4. Nap time!
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/1-28.jpg)
5. Real friends share everything
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/39.jpg)
6. All smiles
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/37.jpg)
7. "Welcome to the family"
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/35.jpg)
8. A hug says it all
![Kids and Dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/33.jpeg)
9. A girl and her bear
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/31-1.jpg)
10. I can see the resemblance
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/29-1.jpg)
11. Haatchi and Owen
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/27-1.jpg)
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
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/25-1.jpg)
13. What's cooking?
14. Good boy!
15. The perfect nanny
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/19-2.jpg)
16. "Say cheese!"
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/17-3.jpg)
17. The neighborhood watch
![kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/15-4.jpg)
18. Heart to heart
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/13-2.jpg)
19. Up to no good
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/11-1.jpg)
20. Friends young and old
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/9-1.jpg)
21. A smooch from a pooch
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/2-11.jpg)
22. Guard dogs stick *very* close to their family
![Kids and Dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/4-3.jpg)
23. A boy and his pardner
![kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/6-1.jpg)
24. "Can I keep him?"
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/8-1.jpg)
25. Who's walking who?
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/10-2.jpg)
26. Family bonding
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/12-5.jpg)
27. Just the right size for a hug
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/14-2.jpg)
28. Twins? How cute!
![kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/16-2.jpg)
29. They'll match up in a few years
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/18-2.jpg)
30. "A little help, mom?"
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/20-2.jpg)
31. Fun in the sun
32. Almost enough dogs, almost
![kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/24-1.jpg)
33. And people say dogs don't care about us
![kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/26-1.jpg)
34. Those smiles say it all
![kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/28-1.jpg)
35. All tuckered out
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/30-1.jpg)
36. Prada and Mason
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/32.jpg)
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."
37. Nice and comfy
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/34.jpg)
38. Big sister
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/36.jpg)
39. Can you remember the last time you were this happy?
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/38.jpg)
40. Funny bunnies
![Kids and dogs](https://www.shared.com/content/images/2018/04/40.jpg)