Dog on a Treadmill

Have you seen the video of Munchkin, the Shih Tzu, dressed like a teddy bear and walking on a treadmill?

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Munchkin is kind of a big deal on YouTube, dressed of course in that cute bear costume:

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(facebook)

The costume itself is actually a teddy bear which is the right size and fur color for Munchkin with its stuffing removed (except for the arms), face cut off, and the feet removed so the dog wears it on the front half of her body. There is also a little bit of velcro on the bears neck to keep it on and closed up in the back. You could easily do this for your own dog if you so desired, and can find a teddy bear to fit.

The only other things we know about Munchkin are that she is 8 pounds and lives in California. You can follow her on Facebook here or Instagram at munchkintheshihtzu.

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(facebook)

Enjoy, hope it helps bring you a little cheer the evening before Thanksgiving!
– Fizz

National Teddy Bear Day

Today, September 9th, is National Teddy Bear Day!

I know, everyday is something new really these days. I do think that celebrating the adorable and fuzzy teddy bear is a neat idea. Many people have had a special teddy bear in their lives.

Here is my oldest and most loved teddy bear:
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I got this bear as a baby and have had him ever since. I love this bear! Well, I guess that is obvious since I still have her. She is so well loved that I do not know what company she is from, but she still has her bows and a little bell in one ear.

Here is my Stieff teddy bear Molly:
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Love Steiff! Such quality, craftsmanship, and product choice. The only drawback is the cost, which is why I only have one bear.

Of course, I love Pooh Bear:
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Did you have a special teddy bear as a child? Do you collect stuffed bears now?

 


Addition:
As part of National Teddy Bear Day Boyds Bears launched a new design for their website and is having a contest. If you visit boydsstuff.com you can enter to win a teddy bear. As part of the contest you have to like and comment on their facebook page. I am not sure how they know you are the same person entering on their site and then commenting/liking their FB page, but that is how they designed the contest.

Do not know anything about Boyds Bears? They were quite a popular line at gift shops and Hallmark stores around where I live. I had quite a few of the stuffed bears and their resin figures when I was growing up (I kept them as collectibles). The company has been in business since 1979, and specializes in making high quality teddy bears with unique designs and adorable faces. The company expanded over the years to make home decor, gift items, resin figures, and toys tested for children. Check out their new website to see their current lines, a history of the outfits their bears have worn, how to care for your stuffed bear friends, and much more.

Here are some examples of the Boyd Heirloom line:
Bella Bearloom
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Greyson Bearlove
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Teddie Bearloom
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Valentine’s Day Gifts

Need a few last minute cute valentine’s Day gift ideas? I have compiled a few ideas to start you thinking on what you might want to get in the next couple days.

For Candy Lovers –

I know there are many cute, standard, and popular choices for candy at your local store so here are some ideas to add to include with your heart shaped box of chocolates.

1. Giant Gummy Bear

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Here is a giant gummy bear on a stick only $12.95 from giantgummybears.com. The one in the photo is the Valentine’s flavor version, but they have many flavor options for you to choose from. They also offer a larger bear around $30 depending on your flavor choices and a giant gummy bear bowl with a hole in his tummy to act as a candy bowl for $149.95.

2. Chocolate Dogs by Palmer

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This year Palmer has a few different valentine offerings including a couple different dogs like the one pictured with different love sayings in the heart above the door. I am not sure if they are all the same type of chocolate (this one is double crisp), but I saw them at our Meijer so they should be available at your local grocery store as well. You can buy this guy online for $3.95.

3. Various Chocolate Animals

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Made from the highest quality chocolate you can choose from a teddy bear, turtle or frog for $15.o0 each from Le Chocolatier.

For Plush Lovers

1. Guinea pigs:

Pinkie the Guinea Pig from Ty

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Pinkie is now available in the Ty classic plush line which is approximately 6 in long (also available as a beanie baby). She is perfect for the holiday with her pink coloration. Available in most stores which sell Ty products, also on Amazon for $8.01.

If you are looking for a naturally colored guinea pig, Ty produces Patches in the classic plush and beanie baby lines. Both should be available at many Ty retailers and on Amazon.

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2. Giraffe – Junglelove by Ty

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Junglelove is part of the current valentine’s line in the Ty Beanie Boo collection in both small and medium (Boo Buddy) sizes. Available at Ty retailers and on Amazon for $5.99 and $7.99 for the different sizes.

3. Dogs –

Cookie by Ty

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Cookie is now available in a Valentine’s version with pink fur holding a heart, in small Beanie Boo and medium Boos Buddy sizes. Cookie is the name of the regular colored version of the dog as well.

Luv Pup the Pillow Pet

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Comes in the 18 inch size perfect for cuddling with! $19.99 at the official Pillow Pet website mypillowpets.com.

4. Teddy Bears

Vermont Teddy Bear makes the bears below, so while the prices might seem a bit much you are getting a quality product. The company has a wide variety of bears (some not so child appropriate in the valentines section linked in the previous sentence) varying from those dressed up to others just cute and fuzzy. The bears are made in Vermont, are fully jointed, and come with a lifetime warranty (meaning you can send your bear back to the factory to the “bear hospital” for repairs free of charge even if your dog decides to try and eat it).

Love Bandit

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The Love Bandit is 15 inches tall and $69.99.

The Frog Prince who is 15 inches tall and retails for $79.99.

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You can also include a set of theme matching human PJs with the bears for an additional charge  (various styles available), here is the above with matching Pajamas which is currently priced at $109.99.

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The company also offers Bear Grams which are your choice of bear, a package of gourmet candy, and a note printed with your message in a nice box.

For the Flower Lover –

There are so many beautiful flower arrangements out there, and roses are a simple and classic gift, but here are a couple flower arrangements which include a little cute something extra.

1. The Big Hug from FTD

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The Big Hug bouquet features a 6 inch bear on a light green ceramic vase.  FTD offers a couple different choices for flowers can that be included in this vase with a base price of $39.99 for 7 stems, $49.99 for 11 stems and $59.99 for 13 stems.

2. Teleflora’s Bear Hug

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This Bear Hug arrangement includes pink roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, and asters. There is no specific dimensions given for the included teddy bear. The prices for the arrangements are $49.95 for standard, $59.95 for deluxe, and $69.95 for premium.

3. Proflowers All in One Valentine’s Day Special

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Are you far away from your gift recipient or don’t have time to shop for multiple items? Proflowers has created this All in One package for just such needs. Included is your choice of vase with 12 long stem roses, baby’s breath, and greenery, an I love you sign, chocolates, a teddy bear, and their lavender spa trio. The base price for this gift is $78.89, with extra roses costing an additional $39.99 for another dozen and an extra $49.96 for two more dozen.

If you want something a bit cheaper you can get the 5 in one package which includes your choice of vase with 12 red tulips and12 blue iris, a teddy bear, chocolates, and I love you sign for a base price of $59.96.