Teddy bear:Checkmates: Muffy Vanderbear

Muffy VanderBear, made by the North American Bear Company (NABCO), first appeared in 1984 as the youngest daughter of Cornelius and Alice Vanderbear. NABCO developed its famous bear family just as the 75th anniversary celebration of the American teddy bear reminded Americans of their favorite childhood toy. Muffy, at seven-inches tall, soon had a following all her own, and NABCO offered several new Muffys each year representing holidays, the changing seasons, leisure activities, and special occasions. Muffy was soon joined by a number of friends, a rabbit named Hoopy her BFF, a dog named Lulu, and a cat called Purrlie. Muffy had her pals have been at play for nearly 30 years, and judging from collectors' enthusiasm for more Muffys, the little bear is not likely to stop anytime soon.