But my interest in and enchantment with bears began when I was with my ex-girl friend. For obvious reasons we could not have real bears as pets, so we began collecting the next best thing: large--small, dark--light, soft--hard; while contributing to charities supporting and protecting the real thing. A few of the special ones are shown here. She and I discussed this page and my proposed web site while she was alive, and in memory of her, I have completed the page and included it here. It was truly part of our life.
To learn more about these magnificent animals, use this link to Bears.org
And for those who find it hard to imagine a bear-loving biker, I would note that Norma, the owner of the local bear store in East Syracuse, rode a Harley.
Now, here are some that can be found hanging around the house.
Arrived in the mail in a big box after appearing on a TV shopping network. Frequently dressed in a baseball jersey, he has gone on many long car trips (wearing a seat belt, of course) and has attracted attention at a few interstate highway rest stops.
. . . . Bartholomew
Liberated from the gift shop at the Syracuse airport. Dressed up in his bear tie, he greets visitors at the front door. He looks like he would make a good offensive lineman.
. . . . . Fairbanks
Rescued from the top of a huge stack of stuffed animals at the Jupiter, Florida, Walmart.
Loves to sit in cars parked at airport parking lots, watching planes come
and go.
Star Bear (aka Lord Cuddles)
No bear collection could be complete without Pooh.
Pooh comes in many sizes (and sometimes different
colors), but a bear lover can't help
loving them all.
. . . . . . . Pooh
This was Desiree's favorite, purchased at the Epcot Center some years back; received a lot of love and hugs over time and was with her the night she died. The pink dress was her idea. Note the bears on the feet, hence the name.
. . . . "Three Bears"
