There Is A “Hospital” In Japan That Will Look After Your Sick Plushies Until They’re Restored
If you were lucky, you probably grew up with a stuffed animal you really loved. There is always one in a child's life that is extra special that they hold onto well into adulthood.
Unfortunately, loving the heck out of a stuffed animal isn't always the best thing for it's 'health'. They wear and tear with time and eventually become too well-loved. Luckily, there's one hospital that can help.
In Japan, There Is A Place You Can Go For Help
Fumofu Land & Nuigurumi Health Corporation is a hospital made especially for our beloved stuffed friends. They offer a variety of services from baths and spa treatments to 'surgery' and restuffing.
They Go All Out
The hospital takes good care of all the stuffed animals checked into their care, and they do it in the cutest ways possible. The hospital posts pictures to its Twitter account of their 'patients' receiving the best possible care.
They Offer A Variety Of Treatments
On their website, they list their numerous services, and it's pretty impressive. "We have a mental care room in addition to surgery, internal medicine, dermatology, orthopedics, otolaryngology, rehabilitation, and other departments."
Everyone Needs A Break Sometimes
It's estimated that over 50% of Americans still have their childhood teddy bear because of how much we love them. It's probably hard work looking after the emotional needs of someone the way a stuffed animal does.
The Hospital Staff Makes Sure Everyone Is Looked After
Fumofu explains that "our hospital has introduced a 24-hour meticulous nursing and bed-sharing system by staff to reduce anxiety during hospitalization as much as possible, and we are working to ensure hospitalization with peace of mind."
Their Results Are Incredible
On their Twitter, you can see the before-and-after photos of stuffed animals that have been checked into the hospital. Some of the transformations are extraordinary. It's amazing what a bit of time and lots of love will do.
The Hospital Knows They're Like Family
The director explains "Our hospital has become a specialized hospital for important stuffed animals that are part of the family. Under our hospital philosophy, we welcome many patients and listen to the feelings of many families."
What They Found Goes Without Saying
"What I felt strongly among them [the families] was that the patients are irreplaceable and precious lives and that the family has a deep love for the patients. We want your family to stay strong and healthy so that your family can be together for a long time."
They've Developed 'Three Promises' That Go Into Their Care
Fumofu Land & Nuigurumi Health Corporation Mofumofukai Plush Hospital has narrowed down its philosophies of care into their three promises which are quality, care, and memories. By focusing on these three things, the hospital is able to do great work.
Quality Is Key
The hospital spends a lot of time researching new ways to repair their patients so they can offer the best, most up to date care. This will help them be prepared for whatever may come their way.
Care Is A Major Focus
They do everything they can to make sure the patients who are away from their families feel at home. They have 24-hour nurses and allow for co-sleeping so no one is lonely. They also let you write letters to your stuffed animal that they will read to them while they recover.
They Also Want To Make Sure Their Visit Is Memorable
The hospital doesn't want to be a place that your stuffed animals dread going, so they make sure that they provide a relaxing and engaging environment. They introduce your stuffed friend to other patients and take lots of pictures when they're feeling better.
Everyone Leaves Happy
Since opening, the hospital has treated over 6000 patients! They even have a place on their website where you can go and see a list of all their past patients and the before-and-after pictures.
They Like To Focus On Mental Health As Well
Each patient that is admitted into the hospital is given a nice long bath that's safe for even the most sensitive skin. They've had a special cleaning agent developed especially for them and the needs of plush skin.
The Plush Hospital Has A Few Admission Options
Generally, you have to book your stuffed animals to stay ahead of time. As your appointment date arrives, you can either drop off your friend yourself or if you live out of town they have 'box buses.'
Not All Patients Have To Stay Over Night
For more mild cases, the hospital will book in the patient, get them fixed up and send them home that same day. Usually, only patients who need 'surgery' stay the night.
Unfortunately There Is No Stuffed Health Insurance
But the prices seem to be pretty responsible. The cost of your stay is about $45 American, with any extra work done as additional costs. For example, it would cost about $18 to have limbs reattached, or $5 to fix balding spots.
It Can Be Time Consuming
If your stuffed friend has some serious work to do, like being re-stuffed or stitched back together, it could take up to six months to get them all fixed up.
The Transformations Are Incredible
It's amazing the work that they are able to do with your beloved stuffed animals. While they try to replicate exactly what they looked like before, that isn't always possible.
Sometimes They Have To Change Things
On their website, the hospital explains that when a patient is in critical condition and needs a new face or plushy skin, they might look a bit different than when they were admitted. They said this was especially true for ear sizes and smiles.
Every Month They Post An Album
On their blog, and also on their Twitter, they will post an album that includes their patients in various stages of healing. They also email you any that might have your stuffed friend in it.
They Also Document Special Cases
If they get a really special case, like an older stuffed animal, or a stuffed animal that will need a lot of work, they dedicate a special post to the process that went into the repair.
Each Patient Spends Time With The Head Doctor
His name is Ino and he personally checks each and every patient when they get admitted to the clinic. The hospital says he is very thorough and treats each patient with respect and love.
They Offer Rehabilitation
Before sending their patients home, they make sure that they're ready for whatever life is going to bring them. They make sure their limbs can move and that they can withstand even the strongest hugs.
They Also Send Home Some Medication
Of course, this medication is just candy and it can be shared with their patient's families. Candy is always necessary when you're doing some healing, but take it sparingly! They don't send home much.
They Have A Lounge
This is where all the current patients who feel up to it can visit and make new friends. It's also where they throw parties at the end of each month for all the stuffed animals that are headed home.
The Hospital Is Open To All
The Plush Hospital even accepts international patients and welcomes many different stuffed animals from all over the world. Of course, it may take a little time for them to get fixed up and sent back home.
The Hospital Wants To Help Everyone
They will meet with anyone who is looking to restore an old friend. To date, they haven't had to turn anyone away because their stuffed animal was too far beyond repair.
Another Sweet Bonus?
They make a delicious breakfast every morning for each one of their patients. Who doesn't want to wake up to fresh pancakes and coffee every morning? It sounds like a dream come true!
Seems Pretty Sweet Right?
Our stuffed animals are such a huge part of childhood and they offer so many memories and comforts. Thank goodness there is a place we can send them to be fixed and know they'll be taken care of.
