Lest you think the Deadline Detroit crew is entirely comprised of hard-bitten, coffee-stained cynics, we bring you on this warm Thursday morning a heart-warming tale of generosity, love and stuffed animals. 

One stuffed animal, that is. 

The Free Press tells the story of a common occurrence when families travel -- a lost toy -- and how it made its way back to its owner, thanks to a nice lady and social media. 

The nice lady is Mary Joyce of Commerce Township, who found a stuffed cow near the McNamara Terminal fountain on March 4. As the mother of seven, two of whom have autism, she knew how important plush toys can be, especially when traveling. So, the Freep reports:

She went to a nearby gate where airport personnel made a lost and found announcement over the loudspeaker, but no one came to claim Austin. Joyce walked around the airport with him, hoping someone would see the cow, until her flight to New York.

Although she had no success at the airport, she was determined not to give up, and Austin became her travel companion. The pilot on her flight thought it was funny and took a picture with the stuffed cow, which led to Joyce creating an Instagram account for Austin.

Not literally exploded, of course, but through the viral power of social media, Austin's true best friend was found, identified only as a baby named Rae in Ohio. And if you don't think this video is the cutest goddamn thing you've seen since the last kitten video you sent to your mom, well, check your pulse:

As for Joyce, Rae's family found a duplicate of Austin and sent it to her in thanks, so now Joyce has a new traveling companion and most important -- the Instagram account can go on. 

Read more:  Detroit Free Press

© Copyright  Deadline Detroit, Inc. - All Rights Reserved