Let’s all admit that friends come and go throughout life. People age, physically and metaphorically — and sometimes we grow out of or away from each other. It’s not necessarily bad, it can be a wonderful thing! We weed out the bad eggs, making room for only the best. The friends that stick around forever, though, are some of the most important people in our lives, rightfully so.

But this isn’t just true for humans, pets understand that special, long-lasting relationship, too. They also know that sometimes, your best friend isn’t exactly a living, breathing thing….

1. Mr. Panda has been there through the good times and the bad.

2. Years later and Mrs. Duck’s color (and devotion) never faded.

3. I’d never let go of a bear made of money, either.

4. From a body pillow to regular-sized pillow.

5. Can’t really identify it as a teddy bear anymore…but it’s what’s on the inside that counts.

6. Unconventional choice for a lifetime partner in crime, but who am I to judge?

7. This one really gives you some perspective…

8. Big or small, they’ll always be brothers.

9. It pains me to say it, but it might be time to throw that garbage away…

10. Now their grey hairs match!

11. I have no doubt that Lamby smells like love…and by love, I mean dog breath.

12. Real friends…eat each other’s limbs and face.

13. Let’s just assume that used to be a leg on some kind of stuffed animal.

14. This cat’s had refined tastes from the start.

15. That squeaky toy used to be quite the mouthful, huh?

16. To some pups, a leash is the most cherished toy because it means it’s time for a walk!

17. Favorite chair…or favorite scratching post?

18. Sometimes love hurts…

19. This kitty stuck to his dreams of photojournalistic glory.

20. Either this girl got a bleach job…or…let’s not think about the bacteria on that seal.

21. Ahh…cat’s best friend: the shoebox.

22. Neither of you have aged a day!

(via The Dodo)

It’s good to see that some friendships really do last forever! Even if they’re just fuzzy balls of fabric, or even if they’re no longer recognizable as anything except an abstract lump of slobber…these toys have made pets’ lives just that much more enjoyable!