What is a Wuzzle?
Wuzzles, created by Disney, are hybrid animals that combine traits of two different creatures, reflecting a mix of characteristics. This concept has always resonated with me, blending my love for Disney with my passion for unique and quirky combinations.
The Tale of Tycoon – My Trusty Cuddly Companion
Since I was very little, I’ve had a cuddly Tycoon who has been a faithful companion and friend throughout my life. Tycoon is a hybrid of a tiger and a raccoon, embodying the playful and fierce spirit of a tiger with the clever and curious nature of a raccoon. In his book he Since I was little he’s always been known as just Wuzzle, even though I knew his real name!
I’m a Wuzzle
Thinking about Wuzzles got me reflecting on how I might be a Wuzzle myself! I have such a unique blend of interests and characteristics that it’s hard to fit me into one category. My diverse passions range from teddy bears and Disney through sci-fi to exploring technology internals. This eclectic mix is what makes me a true Wuzzle, embodying the spirit of blending different traits and interests to create something wonderfully unique.
My Bear-y Unique Collection
I collect teddy bears, especially those that are lonely or outcast. My collection includes lots of lions and various random bears, some handmade and others very mainstream, all with unique personalities. The photo below is from my ‘guest room’. It’s more of a retro gaming room! As you can see from the photo, bear accomodation is relatively organised. The eagle eyed may spot a rather large collection of Tiggers, Sooty (and Sweep), Gnasher! and several models of “The Iceman”‘s F1 Cars!
This love for bears even led to my cuddly lion Smudge becoming an Instagram star with over 1,000 followers. Smudge and his friends join me on adventures, and their photos allow me to capture memories without having to be in the pictures myself.
Geek Chic: Sci-Fi and Me
Alongside my love of Disney and bears, I am also a geek. I have a collection of sci-fi merchandise, primarily robots and androids. Wall-E and Data hold special places in my heart. I’m a big fan of sci-fi shows, particularly Star Trek and SG-1. I adore the strong female characters, the Klingons, and obviously the dynamic between Jack and Sam (SG-1)!
A Bear-y Geeky Crossover
Sometimes, my interests crossover in delightful ways. For example, I collected all the Build-A-Bear Workshop Care Bears and dressed them in Starfleet uniforms.
Then there was the time Smudge dressed as the Doctor!
One of my favorite bears is a cuddly Mickey Mouse covered in binary code. (Which I *had* to get the matching Disney Binary Mickey Mug too!)
Battling Stereotypes: Bears, Bots, and Biases
What frustrates me is that when people visit my house or see my collections, they often presume the sci-fi items can’t be mine. They assume these belong to a man because liking both sci-fi and Disney/teddies seems odd to them. It’s disheartening to face these stereotypes, but I see it as an opportunity to challenge these preconceived notions.
By proudly displaying my eclectic mix of interests, I’m showing that gender does not define what one can or cannot be passionate about. I enjoy breaking these barriers and demonstrating that it’s okay to love both cute, cuddly bears and complex, futuristic sci-fi. It’s important to embrace all facets of oneself without fear of judgment, and I take pride in my unique blend of interests. It makes me who I am—a true Wuzzle, blending different traits into a harmonious whole.
I may come across ‘cute’, but I have the fire of a Klingon warrior and the bat’leth to prove it!
BumbleLion Joins the Crew
Recently, for my birthday, a dear friend gifted me a Preloved BumbleLion, who now keeps Tycoon company. This thoughtful gift got me thinking about how Tycoon was the only one of his kind and how important it is for Wuzzles to know that other Wuzzles exist.
It took me a long time to feel comfortable embracing and letting people see my Wuzzle nature. Sometimes, it was met with comments about how I should be more normal or hide things, but life has only gone from strength to strength by being true to myself.
For example, Smudge’s Instagram account has enabled me to meet a whole community of professionals who collect teddy bears, including some fabulous geeky ladies!
Now, Tycoon is no longer alone—yes, there were other bears around, but he now has someone as unique as him next to him on the shelf.
Wuzzle Wisdom: Embracing Our Unique Mix
The Wuzzles theme song captures the essence of my journey:
Here in the land of Wuz
They’re having twice the fun
‘Cause every single thing
Is really two in one
A little bit of this
A little bit of that
And when you add it up
You get a lot of laughs!
[Wuzzle Theme Song – https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Wuzzles_Theme ]
Being a Wuzzle means embracing my unique mix of interests and celebrating who I am. My diverse passions make me special, and I love every part of my quirky self. Just like Wuzzles, I believe that no matter how unique you are, there are others out there who share your interests and form a supportive community.
To all the Wuzzles out there, remember that your uniqueness is your strength. Whether you’re a fan of sci-fi, Disney, teddy bears, or a mix of everything, there’s a community for you. Embrace who you are, and don’t let others’ assumptions define you.
And if you still don’t believe me …. why else would there be a Charlie Bear Professor!
