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The world can seem like a messed up place. Especially if we look at it through the mainstream media. But it can also be beautiful. We just need to remind ourselves of that every once in a while.

Enter the Instagram account 'Good News Dog.' It regularly fetches uplifting moments from around the globe for the 1.4 million people that follow it, giving them one reason to smile after another.

Think of it as a good boy who gets up early in the morning to bring you the newspaper. Only instead of your coffee table, the fella leaves it on your social media feed. And instead of the fearmongering articles, there's a picture of a woman who just knit a bag of hats for a shelter. Or another one showing thousands of Berliners greeting Ukrainian refugees with signs, offering a place to stay.

Continue scrolling to explore this wholesome corner of the internet through Bored Panda's hand-picked selection of its best posts.

More info: Instagram

#1

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KJ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Small acts of kindness can go a long way, we never know when someone could use a wee boost.

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#2

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Today a lady and her husband came into our Home Depot and told us that the insurance company might not pay for their little boy’s walker, so they went on the internet and found plans to make one out of PVC pipe. My store manager heard about this and went over to them and said, "We got this."

We started putting it together and told the family to go and enjoy ice cream and come back in an hour. Other associates started jumping in and when the family came back it was done. Everyone was crying to see Logan walk around with the biggest smile on his face.

When the family tried to pay us, we said "No way, this one is on us." 

What a wonderful act of kindness! 

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Fat Harry
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a world we live in where someone in the wealthiest country on Earth can't get a piece of medical equipment for their child because insurance won't cover it. Healthcare should be a right.

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Pages like 'Good News Dog' are needed more than you might think. "Unfortunately, a lot of the news we consume today isn’t so much reporting as it is a way of keeping people addicted to the news cycle," said licensed psychologist Logan Jones, PsyD.

Since sensational headlines get more attention, Jones says media outlets often end up focusing on disaster reporting—and rarely any positive news.

"Consuming too much of this kind of news, whether actively or passively, can be very toxic, and what you hear has an impact on your mood."

Annie Miller, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW, explains the process like this: when we experience a threat, our brain activates the fight or flight response, and the systems in our body react accordingly.

Consuming the news can activate the sympathetic nervous system, which causes our body to release stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Then, when a crisis is happening, and we are experiencing this stress response more frequently, Miller says physical symptoms may arise.

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#6

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Sherilynne DeMaio
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And I see you are an LCSW. You have used your hardship to grow compassion instead of bitterness. All the best to you, good sir.

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#7

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Lakota Wolf
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She is a beautiful bride now and I know she was in 1952 as well!

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This emotional toll and negative effect on the psyche was demonstrated in a study that found people who watched negative material, as compared to those who watched positive or neutral material, showed an increase in both anxious and sad moods after just 14 minutes of viewing television news bulletins and programs.

In addition to an increase in anxious and sad moods, the researchers also found the results to be consistent with the theories of worry that implicate a negative mood as a causal factor in facilitating worrisome thoughts.

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#11

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Hseed
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That second sentence was completely unnecessary. You can't judge a country for its past. All countries including mine have embarrassing moments in history. We can't tag Germans as nazis, we can't tag Spain (where I live) with dictatorship and terrorism, and so on. And you can't say polish people are doing better than they did. Different times, different people. Congrats for today's job, Poles. Better think twice what you write, dude.

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There's even a word for the act of obsessively reading bad news despite the onset of anxiety It's called doomscrolling and even thought it's quite new, research stretching back for decades has long warned that consuming too much negative news can take its toll.

Studies have linked poor mental health to news exposure during negative and traumatic events; the more news a person consumes during and after these events, the more likely they are to suffer from depression, stress and anxiety. For example, there's a study that surveyed 4,675 Americans in the weeks following the Boston Marathon bombings and collected data on how much media they consumed. Participants who engaged with more than six hours of media coverage per day were nine times more likely to also experience symptoms of high acute stress than those who only watched a minimal amount of news.

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#15

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#17

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KJ
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Scumbag parents having an issue with someone getting an education, good on the president.

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2020 was exceptionally bad. "We've had so much news from COVID-19 and the economic breakdown to the reckoning with racial injustice combined with hurricanes and firestorms," said Roxane Cohen Silver, a research psychologist at the University of California, Irvine. "It's clear the stress of the election has added to all this."

"So much of it is open-ended and uncertain at the moment," Graham Davey, an emeritus professor of psychology at the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom added. "That alone is something that people find extraordinarily stressful."

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#18

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Friday
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope that they kept in touch (the owners) to arrange future pup play dates ❤️

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#21

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Deux
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If only there were more 14 year olds doing this than getting hooked into a life of crime. Create bowties, not heartache and trauma.

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Psychologists refer to it as an "intolerance of uncertainty," and, unfortunately, it's a vicious cycle. You find listening to the news stressful and anxiety-provoking but can't stop doing it because you feel the need to find out what on earth is going on.

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But there are things that people can do to protect their mental health from the potentially damaging effects of obsessively consuming news. "It's important to be informed but we don't want you to be doomscrolling," said Judith Andersen, a health psychologist at the University of Toronto in Canada.

"Check the news just once a day, and I don't think it's best to check in the morning because it clouds the rest of your day." She also recommends confining yourself to well-established and credible news sources to avoid the risk of over-hyped or even misleading content.

#26

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Mozzarella
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never let our elderly feel lonely. They are treasures and need to be treated like so

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#27

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Monday
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Would be quite the plot twist if everyone else skipped the hike on purpose as an attempt at matchmaking because web dev guy liked her.

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But those times that you do sit down to get up to speed with the world around you, Davey recommends that you actually read articles in full, rather than simply checking out the headlines. "Headlines are usually dramatized, and you need more context than that," he explained.

Or simply fire up 'Good News Dog!'

#30

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Lakota Wolf
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This hits home. Hopefully my kitten with FIP will be declared cured of this normally-fatal disease in two weeks (treatment is 84 days of medication injections) - and he’s definitely getting some delish foods and a party :D I’m so glad this pupper made it too!

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#31

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Friday
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How can anyone abandon their senior baby? Congratulations on your promotion, have a happy life sweetheart ❤️

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#32

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Friday
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This beautiful gesture will likely become his most valued possession ❤️

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#36

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Bobert Robertson
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Deep fried pickles. He found them before the first career and is content for life now.

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Gavin Frazier
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

for those who dont know the navy seals are one of the hardest units in the army to get into.

Violaine LB
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know why you were downvoted, I'm not from the US so it's good to have that extra info. Thank you!

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Sherilynne DeMaio
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same positive smile in each impressive role. Astounding list of accomplishments!

Olga Aftyka
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think you just need to be already trained at something important to work for NASA, he did overdo it though with getting 2 hard jobs before that ;)

UpQuarkDownQuark
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, I was gonna do that, too. I’ll get right on it as soon as I clear this dungeon. And finish the last season of The Mandalorian. And take a nap. But after that…!

Lindsfc
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He had a pretty rotten childhood, his father was a violent domestic abuser, who ended up being shot by police. So, he's definitely come a long way from such difficult beginnings..

v
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So...he can thoroughly break you and then fix you, in space.

Nicole Holt
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And he also discovered the secret to eternal youth. He doesn't look like he aged at all!

Mustavo Gaia
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For a deeper look on his story, check this interview with him: https://youtu.be/yujP3-AxXsI - Jocko Podcast 221: Jonny Kim. Navy SEAL, Doctor, Astronaut. The Unimaginable Path.

Raq Ram
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I cannot get over this guy's accomplishments! He literally has done so much in such little time.He completed 100 combat operations. He served as a Special Operations Combat Medic, sniper, navigator and point man spanning two deployments. Kim is also the recipient of a Silver and Bronze Star with valor. And you know why he pursued being a doctor after being a Navy Seal? He said, " I wanted to contine assisting humanity as a public service." He's married with 3 kids, too. I wonder how his kids will be able to top that list. 🤔

Megan Pippenger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Somewhere there is a group of Asian moms who do not try to brag about their children when Mrs. Kim is around anymore. She’s got them all beat and they all know it.

Robyn Bowns
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Man this kid likes school too much. How many freeking years does it take to be a space dr???

Anita Edwardd
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How long did he achieve all of this work and study in? 6.5 weeks? He hasn’t aged or changed one bit!

Doug
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I suspect anyone whose resume includes "NASA Astronaut" has a pretty impressive backstory. That's a pretty special career path to be both an explorer and a scientist!

Beth D
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

His Happy - Challenge, Giving Back, Striving to be more everyday! Thank you for your service sir!

Alexander Neil
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good for him! Brilliant! Can you imagine his mom at lunch with the other moms?

Vicky Zar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But how? Don't you have to go to school and then do a residency for several years? Is he a vampire? ;-)

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#38

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Sherilynne DeMaio
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Americans should take a lesson from this example. This is how to offer comfort to strangers in peril.

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#39

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Mozzarella
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Woohooooooooooooooo. If we saw things the way that 6 year olds did, the world would be a better place.

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#43

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Lakota Wolf
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My grandmas are both long gone :( I will help protecc OP’s grandma, as both of mine would want me to XD

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#46

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Brendan Roberts
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It doesn't matter if they're biological or not, a good mama will take in any infants.

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#50

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kristina law
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

While this is an awesome little story, I have seen it on BP probably over 10 times now lol

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#51

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Scagsy
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Written by someone who cares about 'their' kids. What a precious teacher. We need more like that, please.

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#56

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Andy Acceber
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope the school helps pay for this, but realistically, I bet the funding comes out of the teacher's pocket. If you happen to serve on a school PTA or student council, this would be a great thing for you to set up and fund!

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#62

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Nadja Lambacher
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh my god, I learned from John Oliver about inmate firefighters and how they are unable to get a job as one after release. This is amazing!

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#63

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Lakota Wolf
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dad had an accident and sustained a catastrophic brain injury when I was 18. He lived, but my “dad” was gone forever. I thought he’d be around forever, to walk me down the aisle, to see me graduate college… what I wouldn’t give for just one more minute to talk with him. He died last year after 21 years of being bedridden, in diapers, with a feeding tube, and catastrophically brain-damaged. But nor would I trade a single second of those 21 years, either. IDK, I miss my dad :(

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#66

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Seán Baron
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"And now, the ladies of the Peach Glade Retirement Home will play you a selection of Iron Maiden hits!"

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#67

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Dennis Stanley
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

https://people.com/human-interest/texas-couple-takes-in-delivery-driver-for-5-days-car-gets-stuck-during-winter-storm/

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#68

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crazy_cat_notAlady
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i lost my father to stage 4 prostate cancer 6 years ago. i couldn't do s**t for him. didn't even try and talk about whatever he wanted to say. i was suffering from mental health issues that kept me in bed 16 hours a day, and in the hours (of the night) when i was awake, i would work to pay off the medical bills. he wasn't a big talker and i was never a good child. i wonder how many stories, and memories he took away with him forever without telling me. once I'm gone, no one will remember him at all.

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#69

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Andy Acceber
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's an easy sign to get wrong. Unless you actually know what you're signing in ASL, it's really easy to accidentally sign "Happy Day Your Mom Birthed You Out." (Not literally, but pretty close. The sign for "birth" means labor and is very different than "birthday.")

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#70

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Carol Emory
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There was a group of people standing in a circle in a parking lot once, all facing out. Turned out there was a lady on the ground who had a seizure and they were surrounding her to make sure no one messed with her until the ambulance got there. Some was kneeling beside her with their hand behind her head so, if she seized again, she wouldn't hit her head on the pavement. Restores my faith in humanity when stuff like this happens. They were standing facing away from her because they didn't want her to wake up and be embarrassed at seeing a bunch of strangers standing around her staring.

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#76

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Carol Emory
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I watched the video of this. He's so happy that she did this for him, he came out from behind the table and gave her a hug. She started bawling she was so happy!

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#77

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Hedgeh og
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"...and THEN I said, you could have knocked me down with a feather!! Ha-HA!!"

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#79

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Ellie
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't downvote, I'm actually wondering cuz I don't have kids. Why are the first steps such a big deal? EDIT: thank you all for your kind explanations without judgement on me. Much appreciated!

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WoodenLion
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i've seen this before. the rest of the story: the son posted the story on *something* and the locals went and bought him out of donuts.

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