Seppo and Iivari are best buddies, but this isn’t your regular friendship.
Friendships can happen in the most unexpected time, place, and with anyone. Let’s take a look at this viral friendship that happened in Finland in the cold, freezing weather.
65-year-old Seppo Laamanen didn’t expect to find a new friend where he lived. It was very cold, and he lived alone in his small house in the woods, just outside the town of Punkaharju municipality.
In this kind of weather, no one dared to go outside, so Seppo was surprised when he found something outside his humble home.
As he opened his door, he saw a very malnourished otter on his porch.
It was sitting there, just waiting for someone to help him. When the otter saw Seppo, he looked at him as if begging for food. Seppo knew that the poor otter needed him. He knew that the otter won’t survive without his help.
That is why Seppo immediately helped the poor otter and fed him small worms and fishes. The otter regained its strength and went home.
Little did Seppo know that this would be the beginning of a long-lasting friendship with him and this otter.
Ever since that day, the otter began visiting Seppo often.
Seppo, happy with his new-found buddy, waits for him in return, along with some delicious snacks waiting for him.
Living alone, Seppo was glad to have someone visit him regularly.
Often times, the otter, now called Iivari, would stay with Seppo and eat his food, and just stay on his porch. There are also times where the adorable otter would get inside the house, get the food, and run back as if wanting to share his meal with the other otters.
This amazing friendship went viral, and people who heard about their cute story started visiting Seppo’s home as well. However, it’s only with Seppo that Iivari feels comfortable.
Iivari is still quite timid with strangers.
Instead of coming over to the visitors, he would often burrow a hole deep in the snow and hide. It’s only when his buddy Seppo calls him that he answers and comes.
It’s amazing how strong their bond is. Iivari will only respond to Seppo’s calls.
They didn’t just go viral in Seppo’s hometown; they also went viral worldwide because of people sharing their remarkable friendship.
One of the videos that went viral was from Story Trender, a YouTube channel, which allowed Iivari and Seppo’s friendship to spread.
This video alone already has more than 2.8M views.
For Seppo, everything was unexpected!
He just saw a weak and hungry otter that needed help, and that’s what he did. He offered his help and unexpectedly, he earned the otter’s trust and friendship. He also didn’t expect that many people would love their story of friendship.
His gentle and loving act of kindness gave him a sweet friend.
This elderly man now has frequent visitors to his home, which is something that he surely appreciates. Most of all, his adorable friendship with Iivari is something that he’ll always treasure.
As a bonus, take a look and pause the video at 0:35. Did you see that oh-so-cute tongue?
We’re so happy to see beautiful friendships being formed, and hopefully, it’s a friendship that will last a lifetime!
Check out Seppo and Iivari’s adorable friendship in the video below!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
