July 5, 2019 — Do you know someone who could use a hug because they are sad from the loss of a beloved family member or cherished pet, a health scare or diagnosis, divorce, financial stress, or issues at work or with their children? For a small donation of only $40, you can send a petite stuffed Teddy Bear to anyone within the continental United States, and it will help rescue not just once, but twice!

The Teddy Bear will help rescue the recipient from a sad or depressing time in their life. It will also help rescue a homeless animal. No matter what the case, Bear Hugs to the Rescue are a win/win.

In July of 2018, Lorie A. Wilber, President and Founder of , knew a friend who was going through an extremely hard time and gave her a small stuffed Teddy Bear to help lift her spirits. A note that was included read, "When I can't be there to give you a hug, this little bear will do it for me."

To-date, Wilber has sent or hand-delivered many Teddy Bears in an effort to raise the spirits of people she knows. In March of 2019, when a friend sent a photo of herself with her Teddy Bear taken in her hospital bed after a breast cancer procedure, Wilber decided to take the Teddy Bears one step further. With the help of her husband, Doug Wilber, a Partners With Paws board member, the concept of Bear Hugs to the Rescue was born and is now a division of Partners With Paws of Lorain County, Inc., a non-profit animal rescue organization.

The donation of $40 for each Teddy Bear covers the cost of the bear, packaging and shipping within the continental United States. Each Teddy Bear is packaged in a gift bag and includes a to/from gift card and a Bear Hugs magnet, all tucked inside a gift box suitable for shipping.

For every two Teddy Bears ordered, one dog will be rescued from a dog pound. The proceeds raised from Bear Hugs to the Rescue will allow Partners With Paws to cover the fees when dogs are being rescued from local pounds. The funds will also help with spay & neuter and life saving surgeries for rescued pets, when needed.

If you would like to send a Teddy Bear to someone who needs a hug, they can be ordered on-line here. You can also issue payment and send to Bear Hugs to the Rescue, P.O. Box 277, Oberlin, OH 44074. Please include the recipient's name and address. All Teddy Bears will be shipped within 2 weeks of receipt of donation. For more information, email Lorie A. Wilber at [email protected]. And always remember...
"When there are no words...there are always hugs.