Stuffed Animals



Our house, like many houses I know, is home to many stuffed animals.  Bears, dogs, bunnies, cats, horses, fish, unicorns, pigs, frogs, and tigers grace not just our children's beds but also the toy box and closets. Some of them even seem to enjoy the company of dust bunnies under the couch.  There are times when I'm tempted to chuck the whole lot in the name of decluttering.

But then I pause and remember.

I remember the childhood feeling of wanting to keep all my stuffed animals safe with me under my blanket.  Any paw, ear or snout that wasn't secure under my furry reversible blanket with a puppy & kitten on it was in danger of being eaten by the monster under the bed.

I remember deplaning on foreign soil and the sick feeling in my stomach when I realized I'd left my beloved Bunny on the plane.  We never found Bunny and no substitute ever made it better.

I remember the toy dogs I received as an adult when I was having babies or birthdays or cancer.

With all those memories of stuffed animals as loving and real to me as the Velveteen Rabbit, I can't bring myself to emotionlessly declutter and purge.

I try to keep my ears open for organizations that need stuffed animals - disaster relief organizations and the like.  Unfortunately the entire planet seems to be drowning in stuffed animals, and I haven't found anyone to offer these toys a home.  (Sounds frighteningly similar to the plight of homeless animals, orphaned children, and the forgotten adults of society, doesn't it?)

So for now our home continues to be a haven for well-loved stuffed animals.  Until the day I can look into beaded eyes and see only plastic, I'm afraid I'll offer these little guys the security they gave to my children and me.  And while we offer safe haven to them, it is my pleasure to try to offer some sense security to the living and breathing.  Stay tuned.