Footage of a young girl crying happy tears after being surprised with her dream puppy has gone viral and warmed viewers' hearts.
Pup-obsessed nine-year-old Sienna Wheeler, from Hengrove, received the surprise of her life after her mum Kirsty brought home Teddy, an eight-week-old miniature dachshund, last Wednesday.
Sienna was kept completely unaware as the family wanted the arrival of the puppy to be a surprise.
Kirsty Wheeler, who works as a photographer, told TeamDogs: “My daughter's been desperate to have a puppy. For two years, she's asked every single day, even giving me scenarios in which it would be possible and where he could sleep.
“When the pandemic hit, it was probably an ideal time to get it. I told her I’d definitely think about it, but we won’t do it until next year.
“But Teddy just came up and he looked perfect for what we wanted, so my partner and I decided to get him.”
Kirsty came across Teddy from her neighbour, who lived 10 minutes down the road. She met Teddy twice and spent hours forming a bond with him before finally taking him home.
The 32-year-old said: “My partner and I didn't want to do it at a time where it would be expected, like on her birthday or at Christmas. So we planned a surprise for Sienna.
“We told our daughter that we were going to visit a wedding client to start with. Then we let her older sister take her out to the bagel shop whilst we swooped in and set up everything.
“She was in complete shock when she walked in. I’ve never seen a reaction from her like that to anything.”
The little girl went to bed with her heart overwhelmed with joy that night but didn’t forget to thank her parents for bringing home the wonderful Teddy.
She wrote them a heartwarming letter that was later found on the bed, which read: “You don’t know how happy I am to have little Teddy. I still think I am dreaming. He is the cutest thing ever. Thank you.”
Sienna has been adapting to Teddy “really well”, according to Kirsty, and has insisted on cleaning up his messes.
When asked how she felt, Kirsty recalled the precious moment: “I was shaking and crying behind the camera, too, because I knew how much it meant to her.
“It was just a really special moment which I don't think she'll ever forget.”
Lesley Easton, an admin of the group UK Miniature Dachshunds, commented under the viral Facebook post: “I shed a tear or two. I love the way your daughter was so gentle with Teddy.
“Thank you so much for sharing this precious family moment. I think I'll watch it again as it just makes me smile.”
Another viewer said: “I love the way she took a moment to look at her drink as to steady herself not to drop it. What a lovely piece of video!”
Kirsty told TeamDogs that Teddy is “doing absolutely great” settling into his new home.
