Fleur Doornbos lives in the Netherlands and works from her studio which is named YokkoBears, after one of their dogs, who resembles a real bear.

Fleur has been creative since her childhood, and it is easy for her, being raised with two very creative parents, she considers it "was given to me by birth."

While designing and creating  teddy bears and other animals, it was a logical way for her to start restoring old mohair and plush animals. "While I love all the old bears, toys and plush," Fleur began, "I love the stories behind them all. I love the memories that belong to them."

It was quite awhile ago when a client asked Fleur to restore a 100 year old bear, "I said yes!" she said. Already experienced with restoring lots of old Teds for her family, she began reading and learning a

lot of techniques and all soon launched an Animal Hospital, named "In Good Hands".

"I have loved it since day one!" Fleur beamed. "The stories I hear, the feelings I get holding the old bear, dog, monkey or cat in my hands, well, I can't describe the feeling, but it is so very special." She feels as if they are "talking" to her, saying what needed repairing.

Through the hospital doors have come many animals, not only from the Netherlands but from around the world. Old Teddy Bear over 100 years old, a plush teddy dating back 35 years, a monkey who had spent nearly 23 years living in the back of a truck with his owner, and even young plush toys drop in to see the Doctor. " Every animal is special," said Fleur. " Sometimes they miss their ears and eyes, or a leg, or just need 'food' (new filling). Sometimes their fur is full with little holes and needs attention. Paw pads have been worn and need new fabric, and other times the head needs stitched back on the body.

Over the years Fleur has collected many old swatches of mohair, fur, lace, fabrics that can be used to restore the old bears and animals. "I am a real collector and I am always looking for "new" (old) materials I can use one day," she said.

The large photo above was taken for the largest newspaper in the Netherlands. Small children listened and watched as the doctor examined the beloved teddy bear.

Over the years, Fleur has helped rescue live bears for the Rhenen Zoo. Many bears

were injured due to living in cages or dancing on the streets. They were rescued and live " in freedom" now with good care.

To receive a diagnosis for your teddy bear, please email Fleur with your questions regarding your ill Teddy  Bear or mohair/plushe animal. Please send a photograph too. This way she can see what illness the bear is suffering from.

When you send your bears for repair, please insure them. Mail directly to the Bear Hospital. It is a good way for a teddy bear to travel, and returned to you in good health.

"As well as running the Hospital for old bears, I also take care of lots of ill animals," Fleur began. "They come to me, while I live in a very huge forest, and they know I can give them the care and rest they need. The animals know they can trust me. Since my childhood I communicate with animals. I also work as a nurse in a hospital,"

YokkoBears is a Professional Member of Bears&Buds.

www.yokkobears.com You can read more about Fleur Doornbos and peek at some more of the repaired and personally designed bears.

"Please do not hesitate to contact me. I am also specialized in designing Memory Bears, which are very, very special," she said.