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Boy Leaves Behind Stuffed Hobbes at Airport Full of Awesome Employees

Every now and then a story comes along that makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and this one in particular happens to be that special brand of warm and fuzziness that only an old pal named Hobbes (from Bill Watterson’s classic comic strip Calvin and Hobbes) can bring us. This is an especially nice story because, as a rare occurrence, it involves the staff of an airport being not only decent, but flat-out amazing human beings.

When a 6-year-old boy named Owen Lake left his stuffed Hobbes behind at Tampa International Airport before a flight, the staff could have easily dumped it into a lost and found bin. But they didn’t. A combination of employees from all over the airport campus made it a point to not only get the boy’s handmade buddy back to him, but ensuring Hobbes had an adventure to tell Owen about.

While they were away, Owen’s mother had done what every good mother would do and continued to reassure her son that Hobbes was A-OK and they’d soon be back together. Meanwhile, the staff took pictures with tiny tiger in various areas around the airport including some that are normally off limits to most jungle cats without the proper clearance. The staff then arranged the photos in a hardbound book for the boy so he’d be able to enjoy Hobbes’ adventure himself.

There’s something very fitting about a classic symbol of childhood wonder like Hobbes having his own adventure. As adults, we can debate whether or not he was real and separate from Calvin in the strips, but for Owen, at least this one time, Hobbes is undeniably real and they have the photo book to prove it.

h/t boredpanda & TampaAirport

Adorable, right!? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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