I usually put him int he washing machine with some other light-weight clothing items but have been worried about it recently. The thread on his little nosey is coming undone slowly on one corner. :(
The cleaning service with restuffing seems to be a USA branch thing, as on my internet trawls I found lots of people on forums discussing it from the US, but no one from the UK said anything about their branches offering the service. The branch in Edinburgh sells special cleaning products and brushes, but I couldn't find anything about offering a full cleaning service. It sounds a little like getting your car valeted, now that I think about it :).
Maybe Mr Tumbles could get his nose fixed with some needle and thread. Are you any good at sewing, MW?
I put my elephant in a pillowcase, tied it tightly, then put him in the machine along with towels. I worried about him in there, but then I told myself the clean had to be done becuase of the germs (silly partner making me paranoid about them). He was quite secure in there, and I didn't let the machine go on the crazy high speed spin cycle. He really does smell lovely now, like flowers. Probably a lot nicer than a real elephant.
I never realised how important he was until I was reading this thread; I have always cuddled him when I have been physically unwell, and often I will bring him through to sit on the couch. Honestly, I feel like a bit of a loony, but then maybe all adult teddy bear lovers are ;)!
PS - I still havent found Stitch or his companion the pink Frog.
They will turn up. It's always in the last place you look :mad::p.
