My mom got my Vermont Teddy Bear in a store in Vermont. Teddy’s bib has my name on it. I got it when I wasn’t even born yet. In my room, I got to keep it there when I turned 1.

I think it is special to me because I had VTB for a long time and I hug it when I am scared and I hug it when it’s cold outside. I like to keep it close to my bed so I could look at it when I have nightmares. VTB is special to me because it is very cute to hold. The color it really was when I got it was Creamy Vanilla. Now that it’s old, it doesn’t have the color.

I tried to sleep with it, but it’s heavy and it falls off the bed.
I just keep it on the top of my closet.

I love my teddy bear because I feel like I am not alone in my room when I have nothing else to do. I play with it in my room when my mom and dad aren’t home.

Sometimes I play with it with my little sister Erynne. I take it on special trips and sometimes to school. I will save it for my kids to see and keep it in my heart forever.

My memories will be in my heart, always.

OK, I don’t know if that’s what it’s really called, but that’s the name we were using when all of us in the Internet Marketing department trooped downstairs to the parking lot on this spectacularly sunny day so we could take turns behind the wheel. They wouldn’t give us the keys (something about it being “above our pay grade,” followed by mocking laughter), but that didn’t stop us from clambering around the driver seat, honking the horn (that would be Ryan), and indulging in the fantasy of every web developer: “So what would it be like to get out there, live the dream, and be a delivery driver?”

As far as the fiery decals go, I don’t know what twisted genius came up with that idea. A committee of marketing professionals? Some guys at the shop with too much time on their hands? An avid Colts fan inspired by Peyton Manning’s timeless advice, “Take that baby out and paint some flames on it“?

However it was born, this UPS Flame truck is in a class of its own, a testament to the rebellious rock ‘n’ roll spirit that says, “I don’t care if I’ve got a schedule to keep and packages to deliver. I’m gonna fly my freak flag high.” As Jimi Hendrix might say: Wave on, UPS Flame truck, wave on.

But remember…we call shotgun.

The Internet Marketing department: (L-R) Jonathan Langdale, Bill Cronin (Director), Nate Orshan, Ryan Leafey, Michelle Delisle, Milena Horozovic, and Andy Francke. Not sure who those guys are inside the truck. They were making a racket.

Ryan Leafey, livin’ the dream.

Lynda Poyser

Vankleek Hill, Ontario

Canada

“I ordered the bear for a friend/co-worker’s daughter. Her mother told me that the very day it arrived they had taken Carly outside in her wheelchair for some fresh air and sunshine. (She was hit by a car and broke her left leg while riding her bicycle). They saw the delivery truck pass the house and Carly said, “I wish there was something for me on that truck.” When the driver returned, obviously having missed the house, and gave her the bear, she was thrilled! Her mother said it couldn’t have come at a better time since her spirits were low that day. She told me her face lit up when she saw the bear with a cast just like hers. Her mother now has a picture of her on her phone with her bear. I couldn’t be more pleased with my purchase. It was worth every penny to see the smile on Carly’s face! Thank you again for helping me make a little girl’s day brighter!!!!”

The Bear Crew here at Vermont Teddy Bear sends our best wishes to you, too, Carly, to heal fast. We like to say that “an apple a day may keep the doctor away, but a hug from a Bear is the best kind of care!”

“What a wonderful product you have.  Since I discovered VTB I have probably purchased a half a dozen or so.  I’m currently stationed in the Middle East Iraq/Kuwait and I send them home to my nieces and sisters back in the States.  Thank you again for having such a product that brings smiles to those given them as well as those that receive them.”

Bill Sallee, Lenoir, TN

“My fellow ABEARicans…”

Julie: Who designed that stunning dress that you are wearing this evening?
Bear: I have a team of designers that I work with at The Vermont Teddy Bear Company, and I’ve designed several of my very own creations. Quality is a bear necessity for me.

Julie: So what does a Fashionista carry in her purse?
Bear: The only thing I need is my ABEARican Express card.

Julie: Is it hard work being a fashionista?
Bear: Fashionista? Daaahlin’, this is hard work! One must possess a PAWSitive image. Having a “good paw” in fashion is an expression and a voice. It is important to use that voice to help others see their PAWtential. We all come with care labels.

In concluding the night with Fashionista Bear, we noticed how she brought people and fashion together and realized our own PAWtential to take care of one another.

You may remember Yuki, the 2-year old American Eskimo, from a posting in December 2007.   With the help of mother/daughter duo Kerri and Arianna King, she celebrated Easter this year in grand style.  Thanks again to Kerri and Arianna for sharing these fun photos with us!

As if in homage to this awesome civic duty, Bear Crew member Meg Terrien has posted a video that asks a random sample of Americans (who, uh, just so happened to be on Church Street in downtown Burlington on a recent morning) which of these two candidates would get their vote: Boxers…or Briefs?

Oh, did I mention that you can find these on actual, live Vermont Teddy Bears? For the boxer-wearer in your life, we have Heart Throb Bear…

…and Country Lovin’ Bear…

…, and for the briefs-wearer, we have Huggable Hunk:

Needless to say, these all make awesome Valentine’s Day gifts. And as long as you’re in the neighborhood…what’s your preference:Boxers, or Briefs?

I just wanted to write as a follow up to our visit yesterday.  We are BIG Vermont teddy bear fans (I personally have over 30 of your 15 inch bears) and my older son has eight total bears.  Our baby turned one yesterday and we knew where we wanted to spend our time, at the VTB factory of course!  Jax needed to begin his collection and so we started him off with a friend for life.  The biggest reason I am writing is just to affirm that you have wonderful staff working at your facility.  Emma was our tour host and Heather helped us build our bears.  Clearly, these folks have a way with children and are customer service focused.  I was pleased with how patient and kind they were towards my children and most of all they were FUN.  I am attaching some pics of your staff.
Thanks again,
Heather Martin