Stephanie Finnegan

Plush Pets to the Rescue: Thermal-Aid creates what the doctor ordered

October 15, 2018 by Stephanie Finnegan

Parent with elephant Thermal-Aid pack — Parental anxiety can be lessened with the Thermal-Aid Zoo or Bear therapeutic packs.

Amid the pleasures of being a parent there also lurk the worries, the anxieties, the fears, and the downright fright. Yes, being a parent is rewarding, but it’s also a terror-inducing experience. My own personal trip into the “Nightmare Alley” happened this week when my son had to go for facial surgery. Having a growth on his skin, which could not be diminished or treated via vanishing creams or any ointments, he had to be checked in for an operation. It was a cyst that was bursting through his skin, and it was anchored beneath the epidermis. Quite horrible!

Catwoman Furever: Candi Taylor is a superhero in field of animal awareness

October 9, 2018 by Stephanie Finnegan

Gray Kitten by Candi Taylor — Gray Kitten

When anyone is asked to name their favorite Catwoman, the feline-loving “villain” who is actually a masked crusader for her four-legged friends, the choices are impressive. There are the three original ladies who stepped into the black unitard to stare down Batman in the 1960s: Julie Newmar, Eartha Kitt (ironic, right, that her last name is Kitt), and Lee Meriwether. Then there’s the Michelle Pfeiffer iconic interpretation — her performance is like a pissed-off PETA member crossed with a purring dominatrix. Halle Berry’s is the most sexual and erotic — encased in black leather, exposed abdomen, ripped leggings and taut whips. Yep, your choice of preferred catwoman says a lot about you. That’s why I’m nominating Candi Taylor.

Rise and Shine: Lisa Madsen creates mini bears that sparkle

October 1, 2018 by Stephanie Finnegan

In an upcoming issue of Teddy Bear & Friends, I get to show off the beautifully crafted artwork of miniatures artist Lisa Madsen. But, like many interviews for the magazine, not every photo or comment can make it into print. Thank goodness for the Plush Life blog. Here’s a chance to sneak a look at some of Madsen’s mini marvels and to appreciate her life story and how it helped her make such exquisite ethereal critters.