When I was six-years-old something amazing happened. One afternoon my parents went out and left my older brother and I with some family friends who were babysitting us – nothing out of the ordinary I hear you say, but what happened next was definitely a memory that will stick in my mind forever.

My parents returned from what I thought was an ordinary outing, a bit of peace and quiet from mine and my brother’s squealing, but something was different. In my Mum’s hands was an object I’d not seen before – it was fluffy, had ears and a tail – and to my surprise, seemed to be breathing!

If you haven’t already guessed it, what was plopped in my lap that afternoon was the most adorable Golden Retriever I’d ever seen. Surprisingly, as a six-year-old girl, I’d been pretty keen to get a puppy and had hounded my parents for weeks previously, never really thinking it would happen – but it did!

He was six-weeks-old, had gorgeous golden yellow fur and was just pure perfection! Now…. “what’s this got to do with a teddy bear?” I hear you say, well it just so happens that our little bundle of adorableness was named Jim and when Jim was a little older he had a cuddly toy which was also a Golden Retriever.

I grew up with Jim (the dog, not the toy) for a happy 12 years and sadly – like all dogs do at some stage – he eventually had to go to doggy heaven and spend the rest of his time chasing chickens and stealing leftovers.

What Jim did leave behind was that, now slightly chewed up and worse for wear, Golden Retriever cuddly toy. I decided to take him under my wing, gave him a wash and clean and dubbed him ‘Little Jimmy’. He has kept me company ever since and is a contact reminder of that super cute doggo I had the joy of growing up with all those years.

Little Jimmy may not be an exquisitely handcrafted Steiff or Kaycee Bear, but he has a special place in my heart and always will!

Find your own Little Jimmy

Why not treat yourself to a cuddlesome dog from Toy Street? We have plenty to choose from, such as Pugs and Border Collies, and even a Golden Retriever! Find your new companion today!