As we all know, we don't deserve dogs. They're there when you've had a bad day, they're there when you want to go for a walk and collect your thoughts, and they're there when you just want to sit on the couch and chill out.
For those with disabilities, dogs can also be a valuable form of therapy. Basically, there is nothing they can't do - with the notable exception of be in the same room as a roast chicken without going for it.
Hugh, a young boy with disabilities from Birmingham is already feeling the benefits of his new canine chum, a spritely springer spaniel puppy called Barney.
In a heart-warming video that was captured by Hugh's mum, it is obvious that the two - despite not having known each other for long - are already the best of pals.
The dog can be seen cuddling up to him as Hugh lovingly pets him, they even exchange a small high five and sit there, comfortably hand in paw. It's enough to bring a tear to a glass eye.When she posted the video, Hugh's mum said: 'Barney is learning to be incredibly gentle and calm with Hugh'.
She continued: "This isn't something we taught him and both my husband and I were moved to tears just watching the beautiful and unexpected interaction between Hugh and Barney."
Hugh suffers from FOXG1 Syndrome, which is a rare neuro-developmental disorder that has no cure. The website for the International FOXG1 Foundation describes it as being "characterized by seizures, inability to control body movements, and lack of speech.
"While the spectrum of abilities is quite broad depending on the exact genetic mutation, many of our children cannot walk or talk, and they struggle to communicate their most basic daily needs."
Hugh's mum said that they were unsure as to whether a dog would be the best thing for him, but we can rest assured that their doubts have now been cleared up after seeing how much the two obviously enjoy each other's company.
In a Facebook post, she said: "We thought long and hard about getting a dog. On the one side we hoped it would be good for Hugh, that they could have a special relationship, but we were worried that our chaotic life (the frequent hospital trips) wouldn't be fair on a dog.
"We looked at rehoming/adopting a dog but couldn't be sure that an older dog would be able to handle Hugh and all the tubes and machines and beeping and erratic movements. But a puppy isn't easy and, I'll be honest, I want sure if we'd made the right decision getting one. Even though we spent ages deciding.
"And then tonight this happened. And I know that this is the right thing for our family. Hugh even stroked him and reached out to hold Barney's paw.
"What makes this even more amazing is that this same 13 week old puppy spent most of the day running around wildly, jumped on, and nibbled the ears of, various children over the day, managed to tangle himself up in the nets of a football goal and has pretty much been hyper and bouncy and living up to his 'Springer' spaniel name.
"Maybe I caught him at a good time, or maybe he's learning Hugh needs something different. Who knows? Either way, it was a beautiful, beautiful moment."
It certainly was. Let's hope Hugh and Barney enjoy many more moments such as this one in the future.
Featured Image Credit: Newsflare