Happy Friday and Welcome to Smileworthy! 👋

This week, we’ve got a heartstring-hugging edition featuring surprise family reunions across generations, a doggy duo for the record books, and some seriously thoughtful acts of kindness (plus one guy who willingly let snakes bite him for science?!). And since it’s World Mental Health Month, we’ve included practical tips to help you (and your loved ones) feel a little lighter. Ready to feel all the good things?

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.

Family Captures Emotional Moment Toddler Reunites With 107-Year-Old Great-Great-Grandmother

After more than a year apart, the family orchestrates a surprise reunion bridging five generations.

Commited Stepdad Who Thought He’d Never Have Kid Of His Own Gets Surprise: He’s Becoming A Dad

Lorenz was surprised with a gift, which included a babygro with a special message on it, breaking the awesome news.

Son Surprises Birth Mother After 50 Years Apart in Emotional Reunion

After losing his adoptive parents, Benjamin set about researching his roots, which led to an unforgettable and life-changing reunion.

Happy Headlines 📰

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

✨ Wisconsin woman missing for more than 60 years found ‘alive and well’

🦆 Family of ducks stuck on Interstate escorted to safety by state trooper

❤️ Students help create a prosthetic device for child with a limb difference, changing her life

🎂 British woman, 115, claims world’s oldest living person title. Her secret? She does what she likes and never argues with anyone!

🐍 Man lets snakes bite him some 200 times to create a potentially life-saving ‘universal antivenom’

🕵🏻‍♂️ Woman hires private detective and finds two long-lost sisters after 44 years

👵 Students offered rent-free living in exchange for their time and companionship in a new initiative to stave off loneliness amongst the elderly

🎻 Conductor with Parkinson’s able to lead orchestra again thanks to brain stimulation device

🦌 Left alone by humans, wildlife returns to the Eaton Fire burn area

💸 Bill Gates pledges the remaining 99% of his fortune to the Gates Foundation, estimated at $107 billion

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Smileworthy Snapshots 📸 

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

Tall Tails & Tiny Paws

In a photo op for the ages, two record-breaking pups recently came nose-to-nose—and the internet can't get enough.

Kevin, a towering Great Dane from Iowa holds the Guinness World Record as the tallest living dog at an incredible 3 feet 2 inches (97 cm) tall. And on the other end of the size spectrum? Pearl, a dainty Chihuahua from Florida, who’s officially the shortest dog ever at just 3.59 inches tall and 5 inches long.

The unlikely pair met for the first time in Los Angeles, and despite their size difference (and Kevin’s head being bigger than Pearl’s entire body!), the two shared a surprisingly sweet connection, posing calmly for cameras and even enjoying a walk together with their humans.

Pearl’s owner, Vanesa, says the mini marvel is “a little diva” who’s “used to the spotlight.” Kevin, meanwhile, is a gentle giant who loves neck scratches and naps on the couch with his family. The pair’s meeting was all about celebrating their record-holding status, but also served as a reminder that friendship really does come in all shapes and sizes.

As Guinness World Records put it: this was a once-in-a-lifetime “paw-some” playdate that brought smiles to everyone lucky enough to witness it.

🐾 Want to see the cutest size comparison ever? Watch Kevin and Pearl’s adorable meeting here.

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🧠 May Your Mind Be Kind: It's World Mental Health Month

Let’s face it - life can be a lot. Between the daily juggle of work, family, bills, and just trying to stay on top of your inbox (except, er, this one, of course!), it’s easy to let your mental well-being slip to the bottom of the priority list. But May is here with an important reminder: your mental health matters - and you don’t need to be in crisis to care for it.

World Mental Health Month is dedicated to raising awareness about mental well-being, breaking down stigma, and making space for conversations that matter. Originating from Mental Health America’s national movement in the U.S. back in 1949, this month-long focus encourages individuals, families, schools, and workplaces to take proactive steps toward improving emotional resilience and supporting others in doing the same.

So, whether you’re managing stress, supporting a loved one, or just want to feel a bit more balanced, here’s some ways you can support your mental health this month 💚

1. Check in with yourself.
Take five minutes at the start or end of your day to ask: How am I feeling? What do I need right now? It sounds simple, but self-awareness is the first step toward self-care.

2. Move your body (gently).
You don’t need to run marathons - just move. Stretching, walking, dancing in your kitchen - physical activity boosts mood by releasing feel-good endorphins.

3. Cut the noise.
Limit your doomscrolling. Set time boundaries for social media or curate your feed with content that uplifts you. Less noise = more peace.

4. Do one thing that brings you joy daily.
It could be 10 minutes of reading, watering your plants, or calling someone who makes you laugh. Prioritize pleasure - even in small doses.

5. Talk about it.
Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Talk to a trusted friend or seek out professional support. Therapy isn't just for tough times - it's also great for growth.

6. Be kind to others—and yourself.
Send a compliment. Write a thank-you text. Or just give yourself grace when the day doesn't go to plan. Kindness is contagious, and it starts with you.

7. Sleep like it’s your job.
Quality sleep is a pillar of mental health. Set a wind-down routine, unplug from screens before bed, and try to stick to a consistent schedule.

☀️ Bottom line?

Mental health isn’t just something to focus on when things feel tough - it’s an everyday investment in your overall happiness and resilience. This May, let’s normalize checking in, speaking up, and supporting one another. The more we talk about mental health, the more we remind ourselves: it’s okay not to be okay - and it’s more than okay to ask for help.

Before You Go…A Serotonin Booster* 📺

Cool Kids Vs Cool Teachers Dance Battle!

@jiggythegod

Cool Kids Vs Cool Teachers Dance Battle! - #SchoolJoy #Educators #CoolKids #dancebattlechallenge #Dance #philly #nyc #dc #battle #fun #tr... See more

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

P.S. Fancy spreading some extra sunshine? ☀️ Your support helps us keep the good vibes flowing and brings these heartwarming stories to life. If you're feeling the Happily spirit, why not buy our team a virtual coffee? ☕ It's like a warm hug for our hearts, and it fuels our mission to share the best of humanity with you. Just click here to show your support! buymeacoffee.com/happily