Why I Cherish Plush Toys: My Struggle with Animal Allergies
Hello to all plush toy enthusiasts!
I’m Nuigurumi, and I'm here to assist as a part of the micro-community, Nuigurumi.me, which I’ve recently started. Today, I’d like to share one of the reasons why I hold my plush toys so dear.
The truth is, I have a longstanding allergy to animals, which means I can’t have adorable pets like cats or dogs. However, plush toys have come to fill that gap in my heart, offering the comfort and companionship I otherwise miss.
Dreams of a Life with Cats and Dogs Remain Unfulfilled
Since childhood, I’ve adored animals, especially cats. As a child, I eagerly anticipated visits to friends’ homes where I could be around their pets. Their innocent expressions and the elegance of cats’ movements captivated me. Living with pets seemed like a source of endless joy and comfort.
However, at some point, I started to experience constant sneezing and a runny nose… strange, right?
The Reality of Allergies
Harsh reality hit me when I developed severe allergies to animal fur, especially to cats and dogs. Even though I had been fine before, I suddenly couldn’t be around animals without experiencing itching and sneezing. I gradually avoided visiting friends with pets.
Coming from a family where pet ownership wasn’t common, my only interactions with animals were occasional visits to friends’ homes or evening walks with a friend’s dog. As an adult, keeping a pet seems like an impossible dream.
My Encounter with Plush Toys
That’s when plush toys entered my life. My mother bought me two stuffed cats. Initially, they were simply children’s toys to me, but over time, they became something much more — a source of emotional support.
With their soft textures, they offer a comforting presence without the risk of allergies, becoming the family I could hold close without worry.
The Charm of Plush Toys
Plush toys have unique qualities that real animals don’t. They’re easy to keep clean, which is essential for someone with allergies. Plush toys come in endless shapes, colors, and sizes, allowing me to create my ideal “family.” They provide a comforting presence, no matter where I am.
A Heartfelt Bond
To me, plush toys are more than mere objects. Sleeping with them brings me peace, and hugging them when I’m tired calms my mind. They fill the void left by the absence of a pet. The bond I share with my plush toys is as if they are real family members by my side.
The Joy of Being a Plush Toy Enthusiast
Like many other plush toy fans, I find joy in collecting and caring for my plush toys. Each one brings new memories. And by connecting with others who share this hobby, I find new ways to appreciate my plush companions even more.
Summary
Despite my allergies, plush toys allow me to maintain a connection to the animals I love. To me, they are not just items but sources of support and joy. For those who cannot have pets or who face similar struggles, plush toys can be a wonderful source of companionship.
Let’s all continue to cherish the time we spend with our beloved plush toys. May our love for them continue to deepen.
For those with dust or fiber allergies, even just holding or touching a plush toy might bring comfort. Thank you for reading to the end.
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