The loyal dog is always with the little owner, playing together, being punished and dressed as his favorite character. P

Dogs are not just man’s best friend; they often form strong bonds with children, becoming cherished companions and playmates. It’s heartwarming to imagine a dog willingly joining a 3-year-old friend during a timeout to offer comfort and support.

In Ohio, a mother experienced this incredible display of friendship when her son, Peyton, found himself in timeout after a disagreement with his 5-year-old sister, Ryleigh, resulted in him smacking her. Jillian Marie Smith, Peyton’s mother, felt that a timeout was necessary for her son to reflect on his behavior and offered him two options: stay in his room or take a timeout. Peyton chose the latter.

What followed was a heartwarming surprise. Dash, the family’s dog, approached Peyton during his timeout. He stood beside the little boy, and Peyton instinctively wrapped his arm around his furry friend. Dash didn’t want Peyton to feel alone during this time.

Smith witnessed this touching moment and quickly captured it in a photograph. She shared the photo on her Facebook page with the caption, “When you’re in time out but your best friend won’t let you serve your time alone.”

Smith speculated that Dash, their English mastiff dog, sensed Peyton’s loneliness during his timeout. She shared her thoughts, saying, “I couldn’t stay mad for long because it was just so cute how Peyton wrapped his arm around Dash. When Peyton had to go to time-out, I think Dash knew he needed his buddy.”

The heartwarming photo went viral, amassing over 51,000 shares. Many pet owners shared similar experiences, recounting how their dogs also provided companionship during timeout moments with their children.

Dash has been a faithful companion to Peyton since the boy was just three months old. Their bond has grown over the years, bringing immense joy to the family, especially to Peyton. The boy often reassures Dash when he has to leave, saying, “Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon. Don’t be sad.” And upon his return, he excitedly informs his furry friend, saying, “Bro, I’m back! I really missed you!”

According to Smith, Peyton and Dash are inseparable. The boy enjoys playing dress-up with their 230-pound “gentle giant,” dressing Dash in superhero costumes and acting out imaginative scenes. Smith added that when she can’t find her son, all she has to do is locate Dash, as the two friends are almost always together.