Human nature is curious, competitive and loves to win. Margaree Streiff, of the infamous German toy company bearing her name, claims a place in history's winner's circle by creating the original teddy bear in the late 1800's. The first mohair teddy was presented in 1903 at the Leipzig Toy Fair and today is a rare, highly valued, vintage collectible. Though children have always clung to the security of their teddy, during historically hard times, availability waxed and waned. Today, the enduring appeal of vintage reproductions lives on at its best in the distinctive artistry and quality of one-of-a-kind, Bears of the Abbey.

In every child's life there is a special, unforgettable toy, often the embodiment of constancy and loyalty felt in the companionship of a trusty teddy. Equally endearing is how the toy got its name. The story goes that President Theodore Roosevelt attended a hunt, but humanely declined to shoot a bear that had been tied to a tree. When the touching story reached the press, the beloved trusty toy was, from that day forward, christened 'Teddy'. Few originals remain, serving to skyrocket their value today.

Susan and Mark McKay of Canada are the joint partnership and inspiration for the artistic, award-winning, vintage bear reproductions highly regarded by collectors today. Over the past nearly 30-years, Susan has proven to be more than a consummate craftsman and seamstress. Possessing a limitless imagination, the artist incorporates her unrivaled talent with an eye for detail. Her handcrafted, limited edition collections and distinctive, one of a kind creations come to life in the finest mohair and alpaca wool.

Mark's business expertise takes the artistic reproductions global with over fifteen annual, international, presentation events. Mark is responsible for the yearly Toronto Christmas showing held each November, where the new cast of charming characters in the exclusive line of soft-sculptural fiber art are introduced.

Susan is reaping the rewards of artistic recognition within the industry as the esteemed subject of featured articles in major trade magazines. She has been honored as a recipient of the prestigious TOBY award for artistic excellence. Local television morning shows have featured Bears on the Abbey across Canada. One of the highest compliments comes in the knowledge that Susan McKay's personal artistry resides as treasured collectibles in homes around the globe.

Distinctively endearing with extraordinarily expressive faces make the bears impossible to resist. Antique glass eyes with air-brushed facial accents, each creation elicits a unique emotional response. Individually conceptualized with personalized mohair and wool densities and colors, the vintage reproductions offer a range of facial expressions, ranging from 'puppy dog eyes' to 'ready to play' appeal.

Individual fiber animals are handcrafted for unique appeal, distinguished by expression, size and color variations. Though teddys remain the leaders of the pack, the limitless imagination and artistic genius of Susan's distinctive, artistic renderings include a diversified variety of adorable critters. Realism is design-engineered with movable joints.

Soft, lovable and cuddly, the first mohair teddy was conceived by ingenuity over 120 years ago. Today, imagination and unparalleled artistry continue the enduring love story through a renewed vision that brings a classic toy back to life. Artfully, one teddy at a time, Bears of the Abbey are creating collectible memories that will last a lifetime.