We all want to keep our children happy on long trips, because that keeps everyone happy. So that's why it's always a good idea to keep their stuffed animal friends nearby so they can feel comforted. But when the unthinkable happens and they lose their special toys, they can become inconsolable. Sometimes it means that it's time to understand loss, but then again, sometimes a miracle happens and they are able to find their special stuffies!
Here's a few moments when little boys and girls around the globe were able to reunite with their lost loved ones!
William & Penguin 2
William Chapman thought that everyone made it into the car when they were coming home from a family vacation. However, his beloved flightless toy, Penguin 2, was somehow left behind.
Poor William was in shambles when they got home and Penguin 2 wasn't in the car. Months went by, but there was still no sign of his little buddy. Luckily, his father was driving past a gas station one day and spotted the black and white character staring back through the window.
He said, "I turned to William and said "˜doesn't that look like Penguin Two' and his eyes lit up." William was overjoyed, and makes sure he holds tight to his friend on all their adventures!
Lucas and Teddy
When Lucas lost his care-bear, his mother was particularly distraught. Since Lucas has autism, the connection he has with this stuffed animal is even more important for his mental well-being than usual.
"He feeds the bear, he takes the bear to bed, he takes the bear everywhere he goes. He has dinner with teddy and whenever he is walking he holds the bear. When he has meltdowns ... he really needs the bear," his mum said.
So she decided to put together a social media campaign and took to Twitter in order to find leads on the missing Teddy.
It quickly went viral and everyone in the area started taking part in Let's Find Teddy. After a local news station picked up the story, another mother realized she had the toy in question and returned it to the original owner. Lucas got his happy ending after all!
Read on to see more heart-warming stories of children getting their furry friends back home!
It's always incredible to see strangers come together to make a child even just a little bit happier. But when they go above and beyond in order to fix a broken heart, that's when true humanity shines through!
Colleen & Roger
When Colleen Book lost her toy rabbit during a civic pride day, her mother was worried about the effect it would have on her young daughter. But Colleen was adamant that 'Roger' was just off on an adventure. It turns out, she was right.
One day, a librarian overheard Colleen telling her mum "My happy bunny is missing", and remembered that there was a similarly bright rabbit sitting in the lost-and-found. However, when she heard how convinced Colleen was that Roger was on an adventure, she decided to take to the internet for help in making her dream a reality.
Random strangers put their Photoshop skills to work and crafted these adorable pictures of Roger travelling the world!
Colleen was very happy that Roger had the trip of a lifetime and was able to find his way back home again!
Luke & Teddy Bear
In the classic story of misplacing a beloved toy on the airplane, it's not often you get a fairy-tale ending. But fortunately for Luke Swofford, the personnel at Dallas Love Field Airport were on the lookout for his missing pal, and decided to take it one step further.
When his Teddy was accidentally left on a seat in the terminal, his parents quickly rushed to the Lost and Found, but with no success. They had to get home however, and everyone felt the loss over the next few days.
"We know it's just a silly bear, but to us he's more than that," said Nikki Swofford, Luke's mother. "He's a member of our family."
She posted on Facebook about the missing animal, and was surprised at the level of support she received. Over the next week, the airport staff looked tirelessly, until finally, they found him.
But they decided to give Teddy a tour, first...
They even held a press conference when the two were reunited! And now Lucas couldn't be happier!
