They are their first best friend and a companion for each new milestone. But Fido or Fluffy isn’t around just for cuteness–pets help little ones learn about caring for others, and – of course – how to have fun.

Creating a social and emotional bond between a child and their pet can be essential for the way they see the world around them and help to mold their personality. Also the development of a child can be accelerated by interactions with pets.

Below is a too-cute-for-words selection of 25 pictures that show the amazing bond between a child and the family pet.

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Via: LOL Happy Face