I first wrote "When Stuffed Animals Become Real – Part 1" (about Samuel's stuffed bunny, Meow) with the intention of following it up with a post about Joshua's stuffed animal, Tiger... thus, the "Part 1" in the title.  J  But, that was back in 2005 and, three years later, I still hadn't written Part 2.

Well, I think it's time.  Tiger has earned this recognition.  In fact, as my dad put it, he should win the animal Nobel Peace Prize for his latest kitty caper that landed a picture of him in the newspaper.  So, in honor of this striped, well-worn and well-loved, tiger, here is his story:

I don't remember when Tiger first came to us, but I notice that he starts showing up in pictures when Joshua was 18 months old. 

After that, they were inseparable. 

As well as being "best buds", Tiger has been a comfort to Joshua.  Since this special tiger is filled with some sort of beans, it makes a scrunchy sound when squeezed in its middle section.  With his chubby little fingers, Joshua would find great comfort in scrunching his little friend while holding him next to his ear.  We always knew when he had fallen asleep… because the scrunchy sound would stop.  J

Tiger has always been Joshua’s protector.  When Joshua was almost 2 years old, we went to a church meeting down in southern Missouri.  In the back of the church building, 3 little girls surrounded him and started saying, “Kiss us… kiss us”.  At first, Joshua looked a little concerned and then he quickly held his little tiger out to them.  I guess he figured that Tiger could do all of his “dirty work” for him, too.  J

Tiger has been in lots of predicaments, but has managed to escape them all.

For one thing, he has a very sweet tooth!  That’s what got him into trouble the first time.  On one of our Saturday trips to Burlington, Tiger got left behind at a rental store.  It wasn’t until on the way home that Joshua realized that he wasn’t anywhere to be found.  We quickly turned around and headed back to the store.  But, we were too late!  The store had already closed and wouldn’t open back up until Monday.  Peeking in through the window, though, we could see the ornery little critter sitting on the counter… right by the candy jar.  J

The next time he got left behind was at a toy store in Burlington.  And, wouldn’t you just know it?  It was on a Saturday again, and we wouldn’t be able to pick him up until Monday.  You don’t supposed he planned it that way, do you?  J

Joshua is now 9 years old and Tiger doesn’t go as many places with him anymore.  I think he now prefers to stay in Joshua’s room with all of the other stuffed animals.  Every once in awhile, though, he comes out to do some good deed… such as the recent picketing for his fellow felines.  He is loyal that way.

And, even though he may never be honored with the Nobel Peace Prize or be given any other top awards or trophies, he has earned a place in our son’s heart.

~Connie~