Just the bear NECESSITIES

Kevin has given Linda's childhood fur-ever friend a new lease of life

- KEVIN MILNE

It was my wife Linda's birthday this week. I'm not a particularly imaginative gift buyer. Yes, she'd love a new horse. But then, I'd never see her again. Besides, we agree, even if we bought one, the ongoing upkeep might challenge our diminishing incomes. Anyway, horses aside, I've come up with something different she likes.

I read recently that 80 percent of all soft toys are eventually thrown away. Six million stuffed animals end up in global landfills every year. I don't know how they know that, but it must contribute significantly to landfill waste. And how sad so many once-loved companions come to such an inglorious end.