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Dumpster Dog Rescue, Surprise Gift, and Amazing Sun Flare

Your good news roundup from Happily!

👋 Welcome to Smileworthy, where we round up all the good things happening out there that are not receiving the attention they deserve!

This week, we’ve got tearjerkers, thrift queens, and a photo of the sun that proves nothing can beat human endeavour. And don’t forget to check out our latest promotion where you could be in with a chance of winning a free merch item!

Let’s jump right in👇

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Quick Lifts ❤️

Feel good stories from Happilynews.com guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Puppy Left for Dead by Trash Finds Hope With Animal Rescuer

When a resident in Yazoo City, Mississippi, took out the trash, they found something heartbreaking – a tiny, abandoned puppy curled up beside a dumpster.

Animal rescuer Lisa Reams rushed to the scene, naming the seven-week-old pup Oscar. He was dehydrated, flea-covered, and barely a pound, but thanks to quick care and lots of love, he’s now thriving.

Son Returns Home With Life-Changing Gift for His Hardworking Mom

After years of driving a worn-down truck with over 260,000 miles, Donna Fraser thought she’d have to start over and finance a new one. But her son Joel had other plans.

Not only did he return home after three years away, he surprised his hardworking mom with a shiny red 2020 RAM truck – her favorite color.

Donna was stunned, bursting into happy tears as she saw Joel standing next to the gift.

Mom Cries Tears of Joy as Seven Daughters From Five States Surprise Her

Jane Ogletree hadn’t seen all seven of her daughters together in nearly two years…until they pulled off the ultimate surprise.

With Jane feeling nervous ahead of a big speaking event, her daughters secretly traveled from five different states to lift her spirits. On May 1, she opened her front door expecting a delivery, only to find her entire family standing there.

Happy Headlines 📰

It’s not all doom and gloom out there. Here’s some positive news items from publications around the world.

👨‍🚒 Kid, 12, named honorary firefighter after saving his grandmother and brothers from house fire

🍦 Community rallies to buy ice cream truck for beloved vendor walking miles in summer heat

🔬 Woman off insulin for Type 1 diabetes after a single dose of experimental manufactured stem cells

🐋 Dozens of whales saved by locals after mass stranding on Icelandic beach 

🎓 Nurses, doctors, throw surprise graduation for high school senior too sick to make ceremony

🚔 Police officers are handing out more citations — but this time, it’s for good deeds

🎮 Computer games are using historians to get their facts right, and a new study shows it's fostering an interest in history

Snapshot 📸 

A unique, sometimes quirky, but always eye-catching photo feature each week.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Shot ☀️

In a world increasingly filled with AI-slop, it’s nice to take a step back and appreciate an amazing moment captured through sheer human endeavour.

Astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy captured this amazing image of the International Space Station (ISS) silhouetted against the blazing surface of the Sun right as a solar flare erupted. It’s believed to be the only photo of its kind ever taken.

But what makes it even more impressive is that to pull it off, McCarthy didn’t just rely on luck – he risked heatstroke. Driving deep into the desert during a heatwave, he set up his gear in 129°F (54°C) temperatures, using ice packs and coolers to keep his equipment from frying. And he drank an entire cooler’s worth of water himself just to stay safe.

Using a modified solar telescope and precise planning (the ISS is only visible crossing the Sun for less than a second), McCarthy managed to capture the flare, the sunspots, and the ISS – all in one perfectly timed frame.

📸 See more of his incredible work at cosmicbackground.io

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The Thrifty Bride Who’s Turning Wedding Planning on Its Head

Wedding season is here, and while the average cost of a big day continues to soar, one bride is taking a different route. From $10,000 floral bills to inflated dress prices, the pressure to spend can be overwhelming. But Tarryn Pitt decided she wasn’t having it.

Instead of shelling out a small fortune, she turned to her local thrift stores—and the result is a wedding that's unique, meaningful, and budget-friendly. We spoke to Tarryn about how she’s pulling it off, and we’ll check back in later this year to reveal the finished celebration, so make sure to bookmark Happilynews.com to never miss an update.

Tarryn Pitt, 25, from Prineville, Oregon, has been thrifting since a young age – so much so the hobby has been “woven into the fabric of her life,” she said.

And so, ahead of her big day, in May 2025, Tarryn decided to use her passion for finding objects with ties to the past as a way of expressing herself.

Over several months, Tarryn has gathered hundreds of items of vintage dishware and glassware, as well as chairs that will be used for a makeshift photobooth and her bridal party table.

She’s also thrifted sofas that will create a seating area, photo frames, a cake stand, a cake topper, hangers for bridesmaid dresses, bottles for flowers, and dessert plates.

Tarryn said she has a series of thrift stores she’s been visiting regularly, at least once or twice a week, slowly adding to her collection.

Tarryn Pitt shows off another vintage plate discovery from her ongoing quest to thrift all the items needed for her May 2025 wedding. Image credit: @tarrynirl / tt-creative.com

A few months before Tarryn and fiancé Holt Porifly’s big day, she was still on the hunt for goblets, lace tablecloths and lace doilies.

The 25-year-old has been documenting this journey on social media, where viewers have praised her money-saving approach, as well as her decision to give items a second chance.

Tarryn said: “Thrifting for my wedding has not only allowed me to showcase my passion but also to create a celebration that is truly one-of-a-kind.

“It’s a reflection of who I am, a blend of creativity, sustainability, and love for the past.

Examples of Tarryn Pitt’s thrifted wedding treasures include elegant glassware like this goblet and unique vintage chairs for seating arrangements. Image credit: @tarrynirl / tt-creative.com

“I can’t wait to share this day with friends and family, surrounded by the unique stories of each thrifted item, forever honoring the journey that brought me here.

“I’m so thrilled that my thrifting journey for my wedding has resonated with so many.

“My experience has taught me that creativity knows no bounds, and that we can create something beautiful and meaningful without breaking the bank.

“Thrifting is not just about finding unique items; it’s about embracing sustainability and giving pre-loved treasures a new purpose.

“I want to encourage people to explore thrifting in their own lives, whether for special occasions or everyday needs.

“It’s an opportunity to express individuality, support your community, and contribute positively to the environment.”

Before You Go…A Serotonin Booster* 📺

Kid slows down mid-race to help struggling opponent finish strong 👏

@wife.mom5.nani

#myson #bigheart #sportsmanship #love

Can’t view the video? Watch it here.

*Studies show that watching cute, heartwarming videos can boost your mood. So sit back and start your weekend positively!

That’s it for this week. How did you find Smileworthy? Hit reply and let us know what you liked (or didn’t).

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And don’t forget to share with your friends and family to brighten their day, too.

Have a great weekend!

~ Team Happily 😊

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