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All About Stuffed Animal Therapy

September is National Recovery Month, a time meant to educate Americans on substance use treatment and mental health services. That’s why we at The Zoo Factory wanted to celebrate National Recovery Month by spreading the word about the benefits of stuffed animal therapy to those in need.

What is stuffed animal therapy?

With pet therapy, dogs or other animals help people recover from and manage their mental illnesses. Stuffed animal therapy works in similar ways. The comfort brought by a stuffed animal can soothe people after a traumatic event and can provide companionship when they need it most.

It helps people cope with trauma

Stuffed animals are often given to young children after a traumatic event like a car crash or surgery. Why? Because cuddling with a stuffed animal can often calm children down. The texture of the stuffed animal is comforting, and just the feeling of having a friend close by will help kids who feel isolated after a traumatic event.

It provides companionship

Many mental health issues can stem from a feeling of loneliness. Stuffed animals, however, can be a constant companion to someone in need. Even if you have days where you’re struggling to get out of bed, seeing your stuffed animal beside you may be exactly what you need to step out and get ready or the day.

You’re given something to care for

Just as stuffed animals can act as our companions, they’re also something that we can care for day in and day out. By being responsible for something, you’re given a purpose to get up and do your daily routine each day.

Needless to say, stuffed animals can be a great source of comfort to the people who need it most. So, if you or someone you know is going through some hard times, consider getting them a stuffable animal from The Zoo Factory.

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Japanese Company Gives Old Stuffed Animals New Life

child with stuffed animal

When you think back to your childhood and your favorite stuffed animal, what do you see? If it’s a teddy bear with loose stitching or a missing arm, it is obvious that your stuffed friend was well-loved. And while your mom might have replaced a missing eye with a button, or continually re-stitched the same hole, Second Life Toys – a Japanese campaign created by Dentsu Japan – has found a creative and beautiful way to give new life to old stuffed animals.

A country that has the lowest rate of organ transplants in the industrialized world, Japan wanted to spread awareness for the concept of organ donation and let individuals across the country know how it works with the help of stuffed animal transplants.

Participants will take a photograph of their toy for approval, sending the actual animal in for “surgery” through the mail once approved. Animals will be given new life with transplanted limbs, showing individuals that organ donation is an enhancement, not a compensation.

Examples include a deer with new, fuzzy pink back legs and a white bunny with a new, floral printed ear.

This program is especially wonderful for introducing the concept of organ donation to children, and we at The Zoo Factory think it is a beautiful project that combines learning with whimsical fun.

While there isn’t a program like this to bring new life to U.S. stuffed animals, we do have advice to help keep new stuffed critters in the best shape possible.

Especially for the stuffed animals that your children play with the most, pay close attention to their seams, checking them regularly for small rips and tears. A little hole under a bears arm is much easier to repair than a missing limb!

We recommend sewing injuries by hand, keeping stitches close and matching the thread to the fur color.

It is also important to keep your stuffed friend clean, but just throwing it in the washing machine could cause extra wear.

Our Teddy Needs a Bath Laundry Bags are the perfect alternative, preventing your children’s treasured stuffed animals from being damaged in the washing machine while providing them with the deep clean necessary to keep them looking their best for years to come.

For all your stuffable animal needs, visit The Zoo Factory online or contact us by phone at 866-993-3325. Whether you are hosting a birthday party or just looking for a fun activity to do with your kids, stuffing 8” or 16” animals is sure to be a fun time!

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Adults and Stuffed Animals: Why It’s Okay

 

stuffed animalsWe often post about how wonderful stuffed animals are for children, and how they benefit from them. Today, we’re going to blow your mind with tips and solid facts as to why it’s totally okay for adults to have, and sleep with, teddy bears or other stuffed animals.

For one thing, a stuffed toy (especially one you’ve had since childhood) is the thing you turn to when you’re upset. This is one friend who has always been there for you, judgment free. Whether you had an argument with a friend or you’ve done something you’re not proud of, you’ll seek comfort in this companion. This little guy will never tell you how to feel or that you’re wrong, he’ll just sit there and let you cuddle all your woes away.

Everybody does, it’s just that nobody talks about it.

Sleeping with teddy bears is common for adults. A recent study shows that 35% of adults admitted to sleeping with their stuffed animals. That’s only the people who admitted it. Surely, some percentage of the people who said “No” are liars.

Unconditional love and hugs, whenever you want them, are priceless. Even pets get in moods where they don’t want to cuddle or hug, and when you need a hug, you need a hug. Large sentimental teddy bears are the perfect comfort huggers.

If you’re pushing 30, 40, or 200, it doesn’t matter. If you love your stuffed animal, there’s no law or age limit for having a loving companion. A common myth is that there’s some psychological reason or issue causing an adult to sleep with and keep his or her stuffed animals. In reality, that’s not true. Your stuffed animal simply reduces stress. If the item is sentimental, it could be an attachment to a happy memory, and in that case, it’s still a positive comforting presence in your life. Any healthy, mentally stable person could benefit from this.

Click here to read about many adults who shamelessly love their stuffed animals and shout it with pride! You can also read statistics and celebrities who still keep their stuffed toys in the infographic below!

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