If you ask random people what their idea of the perfect birthday present is, answers usually fall along the lines of travel, jewelry, concert tickets, gadgets, or a pretty detailed picture of their ideal celebration. Some immediately mention material things, some wish to be reunited with their loved ones, while some shrug and say they’re alright with receiving anything or nothing at all. And you know what they say, those who ask for nothing deserve everything.
Like Doug, a 46-year-old dad who never made any requests nor set expectations for his birthday.
Little did this sweet dad know that his wife and stepkids had the ultimate birthday surprise waiting for him.
There was a small wooden box waiting for Doug and he genuinely thought that the box was the main present.
“I’m not just giving you the box, I’m taking the box back honey.”
“You are?” Doug quips back, feigning shock. “Well then, I’m not gonna open it!”
He was already so happy and grateful that his wife had to urge him to open the box and see what’s inside.
Doug then lifted the cover to check out what was inside. Still looking curious and happy to have received a present in the first place, Doug proceeded to take out the contents of the wooden box. In one hand, he held a small collar, and in the other, a frame with a picture of Doug’s wife and stepdaughter holding a 3-week-old Golden Retriever.
Still looking as adorably clueless as ever, Doug stood there, trying to figure out what both items signified. Holding the collar, the confused dad read the name on the collar out loud. “Stella.”
In true dad fashion, Doug looks up at his wife to ask who the puppy was.
“That’s Stella!” Doug’s wife says.
Doug’s facial expression changed as he finally began to piece everything together.
At that exact moment, Doug’s stepson appears, holding a sweet little Golden Retriever puppy in his arms.
Doug can’t believe his eyes as he is handed the puppy. There’s no telling if he even wanted a puppy for his birthday in the first place but his reaction proves that it was definitely the perfect present.
As Doug takes Stella in his arms, the puppy wastes no time in charming her new dad.
The adorable Golden Retriever began wagging happily, snuggling closer to Doug.
Doug can’t stop smiling as the playful puppy showered him with sloppy kisses. He was clearly still in disbelief but his face showed just how happy he was to be given such a surprise on his birthday. Stella was an important member of the family for over 10 years but because of old age, has passed on. Doug may have lost a best friend but at least he and Stella were able to touch each other’s lives and share an irreplaceable bond.
As sad as it is to hear of a loyal dog’s passing, it’s comforting to know that we have this heartwarming video to remind us of just how much joy a dog can bring in a person’s life.
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