Home of The Bear Menagerie and Debbi Henretty's original design mohair teddy bears

Meet Debbi Henretty of The Bear Menagerie, and learn about her journey as a designer of original mohair teddy bears

Meet the wonderful mohair teddy bears and friends by Debbi Henretty of The Bear Menagerie

Find supplies to make your own mohair teddy bears

Information on adopting a new teddy bear or friend from The Bear Menagerie!

Free teddy bear stationery, teddy bear puzzles to do and more fun stuff!

Send a special Teddy Bear Postcard to a Special Teddy Bear Friend!

You're Here!  Tips on taking care of your special teddy bear friend!

Meet some of my favorite teddy bear artist friends!

 

 Welcome to The Bear Menagerie, home of Debbi Henretty's original design mohair teddy bears and friends!

Lots of us have questions about how to give our teddy bears the tender loving care they so deserve. I thought it would be a nice idea to share my tips. You can also send me a note (just click here) if you have a specific question. If I can answer it, maybe we'll post your question and the answer here.

 

Question: Can I comb my teddy bear?

Answer: Teddy bears love to be fussed over. It makes them feel so very good! I use a large tooth dog comb or a dog brush. Remember to be gentle. And, if your teddy bear is made from the new matted-style fur, it's best to NOT comb teddy. Teddy will, of course, still need lots of hugs and kisses!

Question: Why is my teddy bear changing colors?

Answer: Well, unlike chamelions, teddy bears really shouldn't change colors. Sometimes, teddy bears will sit in a nice bright window far too long. Although your teddy bear may enjoy the sun, you should take care to limit exposure. While teddy bears won't get a sunburn, permanent fading will occur. It's best to keep teddy out of the sunlight and in a nice cozy spot.

Question: How can I dust my teddy bear?

Answer: Teddy bears do, indeed, need to be dusted! I use my vacumn cleaner...you must start this when they are very young so they won't be startled or frightened by the noise. Begin by removing any clothes or accessories that aren't permanently attached. Set your vacumn at the lowest setting...I use the little brush attachment...and carefully vacumn your teddy bear friend. By the way, this is the first step in getting rid of nasty dust mites, as well! (For very old teddy bears, you may want to skip the vacumning until you have checked with a professional teddy bear person that restores these venerable friends!)

Question: Why would anyone freeze their teddy bear?

Answer: Don't fret! Freezing can actually be good for teddy bears. Think of it as a way to help teddy hibernate! Really, though, a few days in the freezer will get rid of any nasty creatures that dare to make their home in a teddy bear's lovely fur. Teddy should be in a plastic bag that can be closed before being placed in a freezer. After a couple of days, remove him from the freezer. Don't leave teddy bear in the plastic bag just in case condensation occurs while he's thawing. Unlike their real bear relatives, teddy bears wake up in an absolutely wonderful mood!