Ruth Hasman, a retired seamstress based in Vancouver, B.C., has made it her mission to repair all kinds of teddy bear mishaps, from pet attacks to missing parts or simply excessive wear and tear. For nearly 20 years, she has been diligently restoring old and broken stuffed animals from various locations across North America.
Her home is adorned with stuffed toy parts, buttons, eyes, and fur, serving as a testament to her dedication to her craft. Offering services such as fur grafts, eyeball replacements, stuffing replenishments, and even spa treatments, Hasman goes the extra mile for her clients. She often scours thrift stores to locate the perfect fabric for each unique repair job and is known to redo a bear if she is not satisfied with the outcome.
Each teddy bear presents a new challenge for Hasman, who finds joy in uncovering the sentimental stories behind the toys she repairs. She fondly recalls the oldest bear she worked on, a 115-year-old family heirloom passed down through five generations.
One of her satisfied clients, Vedrana Petrovic, praised Hasman for restoring her plush golden retriever, Sylvester, to its former glory. Petrovic shared that Sylvester had been a source of emotional support during her university days and was amazed by the transformation after his visit to the teddy bear hospital.
Hasman, who is currently training a successor in Maple Ridge, plans to continue her bear restoration work for as long as possible. She finds fulfillment in the heartwarming stories connected to each bear she repairs, making her job more than just a hobby but a meaningful pursuit.