As any parent will attest, there are certain stuffed animals and cuddly toys which hold a very special place in the heart of any family, so the idea of losing one in a busy shopping district simply doesn't bear thinking about.
This was, however, the situation which one mum in Dublin was faced with in recent days when her three-year-old daughter lost Teddy in a street crowded with enthusiastic festive shoppers.
Taking to social media to appeal for Teddy's safe return following his disappearance on Henry Street, the concerned mum highlighted the importance of her daughter's bear, saying she has "a sad little girl wanting her friend back."
Determined to placate her little one while she frantically searches for Teddy, the quick-thinking mum informed her daughter that Teddy was simply on holiday.
She even goes as far as to kept her heartbroken daughter updated on Teddy's latest adventures with the help of images saved on her laptop.
Thanking the public for their help thus far, she wrote: "So many people trying to help me find Teddy. I am so grateful. Faith in humanity restored."
Here's hoping for Teddy's safe return in time for Christmas!
