Fiona the hippo, BBC interview kid and a chainsaw-wielding nun -- stories that pulled at our heartstrings in 2017

Often times we get wrapped up in the negative things going on in the world, but it's also important to remember the heartwarming stories 2017 brought into our lives and how they helped restore our faith in humanity.

From a lovable hippo named Fiona to a young girl's adoption and an unlikely friendship formed over a gaming app, these stories brought "happy tears" to our eyes and cheek-hurting smiles to our faces.

Who would've thought that a preemie hippo would steal the spotlight and our hearts, but that's exactly what Fiona at the Cincinnati Zoo did when she was born six weeks early in January. People across the world followed her journey as she received around-the-clock care to become the thriving hippopotamus she is today. We've cheered on her weight gain milestones, watched her photobomb a wedding proposal and when she did a backflip off her mom's back we knew she was just showing off.

In May, six words helped warm hearts and lift up spirits this year. Anu, a 7-year-old girl, who returned to school for the first time with her new prosthetic leg was asked by one of her classmates, "is that your new pink leg?" The question was posed in such a simple way, like she was asking her what she brought for lunch. That's all the students needed to know to accept Anu back with open arms and seconds later they were off and running around the playground.

And with the opening of an office door in March, in walked a young girl who would warm hearts across the world. Marion Kelly became an instant internet sensation when she crashed her dad's live TV interview on the BBC. The little girl with the adorable glasses even held her own press conference after she went viral, with the help of mom, dad and little brother, James. So let's walk out of 2017 like Marion walked into her dad's interview -- like superstars ready to embrace what 2018 has in store.

Click through the gallery above to see more heartwarming stories from this year, including a chainsaw-wielding nun, a homeless veteran's act of kindness and a police K-9 fired from his job for being too friendly.