We often talk about "rescuing" unwanted animals who have been left behind at shelters. As any adoptive animal parent knows, however, it's really the animals who do the rescuing.
They may not be a designer breed. They may be a little rough around the edges. But the dogs, cats, and other animals adopted out of animal rescue centers around the world are capable of loving in a way that many people have never felt before — like this cat who is protective of the family's newborn baby.
Sadly, many of these animals lead hard lives while waiting for their forever family to take them home. It's not easy to be cooped up all day in a small pen, listening to the sounds of all of the other animals who'd rather be somewhere else.
In an effort to honor these animals, who sometimes spend months in shelters waiting for a human to see their potential, one company is helping in an unexpectedly fun and meaningful way.
Pibborafi is making a major difference — they specialize in creating plush toys modeled after real rescue dogs!
Scroll through below to see how this company's unique mission is rewarding those who love a rescue animal.
This company started out in 2011 with the name Wugadogs. They helped fund animal shelter services by auctioning off their custom plush toys, and donating the stuffed animals to hospitals and Christmas toy drives.
In 2015, Wugadogs assembled a group of artisinal toy designers and officially changed its name to Pibborafi. The company is now working to release hundreds of new plush puppies for children everywhere.
So how does it work?
First, you have to get on the waiting list by telling Pibborafi your dog's name, gender, breed (or breed mix), and why he or she should be the next plush toy they make.
You can send your application directly through their website. It's free, and no registration is required.
The company gets tons of applications, because who doesn't think their dog deserves to be a cute plush toy?
If your dog is chosen, Pibborafi will notify you by e-mail and ask you to sign a disclaimer that allows them to create and sell a toy in your dog's likeness.
Assuming you give them permission (and who would say no?!), the company then asks for several clear photographs of your dog from various angles and positions so that the designers can make the toy as accurate as possible.
Pibborafi says the design process takes three to four months. But once it's finalized, the toy is processed for production.
"We send you the first two toys from the production line free of charge with free shipping to your home or office," reads the company website.
Your dog won't believe his or her eyes when you finally take the plush toy out of the box.
Then, the new Pibborafi toy goes into mass production, being sold around the world to help raise funds for rescue dogs.
Pibborafi is dedicated to spreading the message about adopting a pet from an animal shelter, instead of supporting puppy mills or pet stores.
And since lots of kids want dogs (but not all kids are ready for the responsibility of caring for a dog), a $15 Pibborafi toy can be a temporary substitute for the real thing!
"The thing that matters most is the Pibborafi experience — the surprise and joy you feel when you open up that Pibborafi box and see your own dog in plush, staring back at you wanting nothing more than to be loved," reads the website.
Want a Pibborati of your own, but don't want to wait for them to make your dog? See the others that are available here!
Would you like to give your dog a plush toy twin? Tell us in the comments.
Please SHARE if you know a dog who would make an adorable stuffed animal!
