Devon & Kevin
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Several years ago, my sister decided to send me one of your Big Hunka Love® Bears. I have several 15" Vermont Teddy Bears, but this was my first Big Bear. I loved the Bear as soon as I received him, but honestly couldn't think of what to do with him. So, I named him Devon and put him on the loveseat in my living room, where he stayed comfortably. Within a month's time, Devon became my son Joseph's best friend. On the surface, this may not seem remarkable: lots of kids have bears as best friends. What you need to understand is that my son is autistic, and at 17 years old, is non-verbal and does not like a lot of things. My son sat on Devon so much that our Bear developed a hole. I called Vermont Teddy Bear to discuss getting Devon
repaired. Instead, you guys sent us a full replacement. We named the new replacement Kevin, and when we pulled Kevin out of his box, my son said the word “bear.” I was absolutely stunned: my non-verbal son spoke a word with a purpose. This amazing moment is forever etched into my brain. Today, Kevin still sits on the loveseat and is still my son's best friend. Thank you, Vermont Teddy Bear. You have given my son a best friend, and me an incredible experience I will never forget.
-Cynthia, Facebook
An Unforgettable Moment
from our Bear Designer
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During the holiday season, it's all paws on deck at Vermont Teddy Bear. This means that every single person in our company – even our CEO – helps wherever needed, from taking orders to packing delivery trucks. Last season, our Bear Designer Cassie helped with incoming phone orders, and she shared a special story with us:
"A father wanted to order a Bear that looked just like him for his family. He was an active military member with a young family, and was only a few days away from being deployed overseas. He wanted the Bear to be there for his family any time they missed him to serve as a reminder of how much he loved them and that he would be home before they knew it. We began to work on his Bear, making sure every detail – his eyes, fur, clothes, everything – looked and felt like this dad. With each perfected detail, this Bear became more than a Bear: it became a symbol of love for this dad and his family during such a critical time in their lives. By the end of the phone call, we were both moved to tears. It is a moment I will never forget."