The moment a gentle Labrador makes friends with a reluctant Down syndrome boy

THIS touching video shows the moment a dog connects with a boy who usually shies away from contact. Don't like kids or dogs? This will change your mind.

THEY say a dog is man's best friend but in this kid's case, it's the best mate you could ever have.

This footage shows exactly how loyal and loving dogs can be, even if that love isn't always reciprocated.

This YouTube clip, posted by an Argentine mother known as Ana, is warming hearts everywhere and shows labrador Himalaya trying to befriend the boy Hernan, now five.

But Hernan, who has Down's syndrome, doesn't want to play and his mother wrote on the YouTube clip that the boy often rejects contact.

That didn't appear to bother the dog who repeatedly approaches the boy, then aged three, for a pat.

The dog reaches out a paw to make contact with the boy. Picture: Screengrab/YouTube

The dog, sensing the boy's reluctance, places a paw on his leg, promoting Hernan to move away and edge closer to the wall.

Himalaya is then seen rolling over before trying again, at one point placing a paw on his shoulder.

Feeling teary yet? Picture: Screenrab/YouTube

After a few minutes, Hernan reaches his hand out and hugs the dog, thought to belong to his uncle.

Writing on YouTube Ana said: "Hernan, is a bit withdrawn and flees from physical contact. He does not like be touched, but Himalaya insisted so patiently, and she was so soft that's why it is so moving, she is left to do anything."

Hernan finally relents and gives the dog a cuddle. Picture: Screengrab/YouTube

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