There once lived a cow named Big Bertha who drank whiskey, lived until she was 48, had 39 calves, broke two Guinness World Records and raised $75,000 for cancer research. Sounds crazy, but it's true... mostly. According to fact-checking site Snopes, anyway. Their experts couldn't verify the cow's beverage of choice, nor the actual amount raised, but they did find evidence to prove everything else, and didn't dispute that the Irish cow managed to raise a substantial amount of money doing appearances.
Why are we telling you this? Because it's cool and interesting, and we all need a break from the misery of bad news that seems to haunt us on a daily basis. The tale of Big Bertha is one of many happy and random facts that can be found on an IG account called Book of Leaders. The page has an impressive following of more than a million people, and we can see why. It's the perfect place to go when you need a dollop of dopamine or a dash of general knowledge.
Bored Panda has put together the best tidbits from the account to warm your icy heart. Feel free to share them with anyone who seems down, and don't forget to upvote your favorites. We've also written an article about the positive effects of happy facts and stories. You'll find that info between the pics.
#21

They had lost their beloved pup after the fence in their Keansburg, New Jersey, home was mangled during the storm, for their 10-year-old daughter’s birthday they decided it was time to move on and adopt a new dog but to their surprise they got introduced to the dog they lost 1.5 years ago.
“He jumped 3 feet in the air,” they said said. “He immediately recognized us. And then the tears came there wasn’t a dry eye in the place.”
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108points
#22

Brazilian millionaire, Chiquinho Scarpa, shocked the world when he announced he was going to bury his $500,000 Bentley so he could use it in the afterlife.
The internet lost its mind. People called him wasteful and totally disconnected from reality.
Scarpa revealed it was a publicity stunt to raise awareness for organ donation. His message?
“People bury things far more valuable than cars every day — their organs. And no one seems to care.”
It was a bold, controversial move — but it worked. It got people talking. Thinking. Questioning.
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107points
#23

In the early morning, Riste Trajkovski, the beloved zookeeper of giraffes, passed away. A few hours later, Flopi, the giraffe under his care for 12 years, also departed.
Their bond made them favorites among zoo visitors.
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106points
#24

Steven Phillips was wrongly found guilty of a crime he didn’t commit and spent 24 years in jail. When he was freed in 2008, he was given $6 million as compensation under the Tim Cole Act. This act provides money to people who were wrongly imprisoned in Texas.
His ex-wife, Traci Tucker, who divorced him while he was in prison, sued to get some of this money, saying it was community property.
However, in 2014, the Texas Court of Appeals decided that the compensation was only for the time he was wrongly in jail and not for any financial loss or lost wages he had while in prison. So, she was not entitled to any of the $6 million
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100points
#25

Every weekend for over two decades, a man named Chen Si goes to the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge the largest bridge in China to save lives. Chen Si has personally stopped over 400 people from jumping, simply by being present, listening, and offering hope.
Statistics showed that more than 2,000 people had committed s*****e from the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge between 1968 and 2006. ‘I was once one of them and I was helped by a kind-hearted countryman’ Chen said.
Mr Chen patrols on the bridge every Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 5pm. He has help from two local universities, whose psychology students would provide free counseling services to those in need.
Statistics showed that more than 2,000 people had committed s*****e from the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge between 1968 and 2006. ‘I was once one of them and I was helped by a kind-hearted countryman’ Chen said.
Mr Chen patrols on the bridge every Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 5pm. He has help from two local universities, whose psychology students would provide free counseling services to those in need.
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99points
#26

Jon Smith’s 17-year-old son, Seb, died at 2022, after he was diagnosed with leukemia.
Mr Smith, who once cooked for Queen Elizabeth II, said: “You learn to live with it, but it changes your perspective, without a doubt. He’d worked top restaurants around the world but decided he wanted to serve a different clientele—ones that wouldn’t have the fortune of having thousands more meals. He went back to the same hospice that cared for his son: St. Catherine’s.
“I needed a reset, and this was it for me. You don’t normally get to do real good, so it’s very rewarding.” One patient’s daughter said “He had a very sweet tooth my dad, so Jon made him special milkshakes - Dad loved his iced caramel frappes.”
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96points
#27

A 72-year-old father named Don Félix Cárdenas from Ñemby, Paraguay, waits every night at a dark bus stop to walk his daughter, Belén, home from work.
This nightly routine started in 2019 as a way to ensure her safety during her late commute, which usually ends around 8:30 or 9:00 PM. At first, Don Félix would pick her up directly from work, but he later adjusted to meeting her at the bus stop to give her a bit more independence while still looking out for her.
Belén shared a heartfelt photo of her father waiting at the bus stop on social media, expressing how much she loves and appreciates him. In her words: “I don’t get home until around 8:30 or 9:00 and he is always waiting for me at the bus stop. Old man, I never want you to miss me. I love you so much.”
Despite concerns about his own safety, Don Félix insists on continuing this habit because it brings him peace knowing that his daughter is safe. Belén has said that he has always been an excellent father and grandfather.
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95points
#28

These courthouse facility dogs are deployed to help victims feel calm and safe while testifying against their a****rs. The expertly-trained canines provide emotional support during tough moments.
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94points
#29

Walter Carr, a determined college student from Alabama, faced an unexpected challenge when his car broke down the night before his first day at a new job. Instead of giving up, he made the bold decision to walk 20 miles overnight to ensure he arrived on time.
His dedication caught the attention of local police officers, who offered him food and a ride part of the way. When he finally reached his workplace, his inspiring journey deeply moved everyone including Bellhops CEO Luke Marklin. As a reward for his perseverance and strong work ethic, Marklin surprised Walter by gifting him his own 2014 Ford Escape.
Walter’s story of resilience and determination quickly went viral, touching hearts across the nation. A GoFundMe campaign was also started to support him, raising thousands of dollars. His unwavering spirit is a reminder that hard work and dedication never go unnoticed.
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94points
#30

After being rejected by her biological parents and 20 potential adoptive families, Alba’s future seemed uncertain. Born with Down syndrome, she faced a world that didn’t welcome her—until Luca Trapanese, an Italian man with a deep commitment to helping others, stepped in. Luca, who had spent years working with people with disabilities, knew he could give Alba the love and care she deserved.
In Italy, where single men adopting children is rare, Luca’s decision was groundbreaking. His choice wasn’t just about giving her a home but challenging societal norms with compassion.
His story shows that family is created by love and acceptance, not by convention or expectation.
His story shows that family is created by love and acceptance, not by convention or expectation.
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91points
#31

Middle schooler Eniola Shokunbi’s $60 DIY air filter project just received $11.5 million in state funding to make Connecticut classrooms safer.
Tested by the EPA, her invention removes over 99% of viruses from the air using a simple box fan and filters. Eniola hopes her filters reach every classroom—and one day, she plans to run for president!
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86points
#32

In 2015, Huggies Brazil collaborated with an ad agency and a 3D printing firm to create a touching experience for Tatiana Guerra, a 30-year-old expectant mother who lost her sight at age 17. During her 20-week ultrasound, Tatiana was surprised with a 3D-printed sculpture of her unborn son Murilo’s face, allowing her to “see” him through touch. The sculpture also included a message in braille that said, “I am your son.”
This initiative was part of a campaign titled Meeting Murilo, aiming to make the pregnancy experience more inclusive for visually impaired mothers. The emotional moment was captured in a video that resonated with audiences worldwide.
The 3D printing process involved converting detailed ultrasound images into a tangible model, enabling Tatiana to feel the contours of her baby’s face. This innovative approach provided a unique way.
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84points
#33

Rewatching the same show again and again isn’t a sign of laziness. It’s actually a form of emotional regulation. When life feels overwhelming or unpredictable, your brain craves familiarity. Watching a show you already know gives you a sense of control, comfort, and stability. There are no surprises, no tension. You know exactly what happens next, and that predictability helps calm your nervous system.
A study from the University of Chicago found that people are more likely to return to familiar TV shows when they feel depleted or emotionally drained. Rewatching provides a way to restore energy and regain a sense of peace. In moments when the world feels uncertain, your brain reaches for what it knows.
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79points
#34

TikTok raised over $100,000 for an 82-year-old Walmart cashier after a viral video. The video was seen over 2 million times on social media and a GoFundMe was formed to raise money for Marion that raised $108,000
Marion said he will pay off bills, relax at home, and use the money to travel to Florida for a three-week trip to see his daughters and grandchildren whom he hasn’t hugged in years.
Marion said he will pay off bills, relax at home, and use the money to travel to Florida for a three-week trip to see his daughters and grandchildren whom he hasn’t hugged in years.
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77points
#35

An Ohio man purchased a vacant lot at a sheriff’s auction for $5,000, planning to build his dream home.
To his surprise, the purchase included the entire street—Bloomfield Court—along with multiple homes.
Now, the city wants the street back to turn it into a public roadway.
However, legally, it’s all his, and the man is fighting for fair compensation, claiming the city’s offer doesn’t reflect the full value of the property.
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77points
#36

Meet Jenny, a horse that has been enjoying daily walks through town for 14 years—all by herself.
Jenny’s owner, 79-year-old Werner Weischedel, opens the stable doors for the 22-year-old mare every morning. He used to take her on walks through town, but is no longer able to. So now Jenny walks herself.
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76points
#37

Dashrath Manjhi, famously known as the Mountain Man of India, displayed extraordinary determination and love when he single-handedly carved a road through Gehlour Hill in Bihar.
Using only a hammer and chisel, he worked tirelessly for 22 years that is from year 1960 to 1982., in order to create a path after his wife, Faguni Devi, passed away due to the lack of timely medical care.
The new road reduced the distance to the nearest town by 55 kilometers, drastically improving access to healthcare, education, and markets for his village.
His story remains a powerful testament to perseverance, love, and social change.
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73points
#38

Terri Irwin, widow of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, has remained single since his tragic death in 2006, stating she’s not interested in dating and already had her “happily ever after.”
Despite offers, Terri focuses on raising her children, Bindi and Robert, and managing Australia Zoo.
She coped with Steve’s unexpected loss by fostering a positive environment for her kids, emphasizing gratitude and good deeds.
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72points
#39

John McCue, a 22-year-old Canadian, took matters into his own hands by filling potholes in Nova Scotia.
He displayed a sign saying, “I filled the potholes. Pay me instead of your taxes.” Despite warnings from authorities, McCue continued his work, earning tips from drivers in the form of cash, coffee, and cannabis.
His efforts have made him a local hero, though officials caution against such DIY repairs due to safety concerns.
He displayed a sign saying, “I filled the potholes. Pay me instead of your taxes.” Despite warnings from authorities, McCue continued his work, earning tips from drivers in the form of cash, coffee, and cannabis.
His efforts have made him a local hero, though officials caution against such DIY repairs due to safety concerns.
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71points
#40

Bailey Sellers was just 16 when her father passed away from pancreatic cancer-but he made sure she’d never feel alone on her birthday.
Before he died, Michael Sellers arranged for flowers to be sent to his daughter every year until she turned 21. Each bouquet came with a handwritten note, filled with love, wisdom, and the kind of comfort only a parent can give. Bailey had no idea this was planned until her 17th birthday, when the first bouquet arrived
—a surprise that would become a yearly reminder of her father’s lasting presence.
—a surprise that would become a yearly reminder of her father’s lasting presence.
On her 21st birthday, she received the final bouquet and one last letter. In it, her dad wrote, “This is my last love letter to you until we meet again.” The story touched millions around the world, not just for its heartbreak, but for the incredible thoughtfulness behind it. A reminder that love doesn’t end with goodbye-it lingers in the small, intentional acts that echo long after someone is gone.
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70points


