Gary, thanks so much for your wonderful letter! Nice story!

November 27, 2005

I thought I'd share the email below I sent to my mother's minister, which gives background on the search for a "stuffed snail."

Gary :)

California

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bruce,

I have a story here I think you will find interesting.You gave a sermon where you asked something like this -- What does the snail say riding on the turtle? Wheee!! I forgot exactly the point you were making. But, anyway, a few days later I was at Thousand Oaks Toyota service dept. getting something for my Prius - when I noticed this rack with these cute stuffed animals. So I got a stuffed turtle and a stuffed frog - thinking they would be nice for my friend's grandchildren. Then, driving home I remembered your sermon, and thought I'd come back and get another stuffed turtle. Then if I could somehow find a stuffed snail I could mount the snail on the turtle, and send it to you for Christmas. So this led to the search for a stuffed snail on the Internet. I did a google search on "stuffed snail" and ended up at a website for the preservation of tapirs. They have all of these cute stuffed animals. But I didn't see the snail - and so wrote to the email address given.This led to the sweetest responses from "Sheryl" on this website. It took me a while, but I figured out she was the president of this organization working to preserve tapirs. She was giving me so much kind attention looking for my stuffed snails. So this got me very interested in this group - and there is an interview with her below:

http://www.tapirback.com/tapirgal/st-int1.htm

Gary

Gary is a very thoughtful guy. Much later, when he was at the San Diego Zoo, he bought a ceramic tapir from Peru and sent it to me. I don't have a picture at this moment, but when I take one I'll put it online for you all to see. It is stylized with beautiful designs on its back.

Sheryl

Fun with plastic capybaras!

Sheryl -

I received [the plastic capybaras] at my home (hand-delivered) by 10:00 a.m. I made little yellow initialed shirts and have them stored in my drawer. My teammate saw them and we both think they are adorable. I appreciate your excellent customer service and specialized attention. We will look to you for our needs in the future. (Plus we are glad that a portion of the proceeds go towards a good organization.)

Thank you so much.

Jodie

Stuffed animals: our charming realistic kiwi birds!

Our realistic, charming stuffed Kiwi by Hansa found a new and happy home. . . .

Dear Sheryl,

Thanks so much for all your help filling this order. I wanted you to know that it arrived quickly and safe and sound. I appreciate how easy this process was. Thanks again!

~ Russ

Little lemur plastic toy animal . . . and a happy customer!

Thank you! Was just reading in the paper about internet scams, and suddenly got a little nervous about not knowing how much the shipping was when I agreed to "pay it." So, you can imagine the smile on my face when I checked my email and then read your note. Yeah! Not only is your company real, it obviously operates with a personal, and honest approach. I am using the animals for child play therapy, and giving a few away to a 7-year old client. Thanks again. Look forward to receiving my animals.

Early Online Customer Service

Starfoot stuffed tapir

Thanks for letting me know. Starfoot arrived yesterday, he's great. One of the things I like about ordering from the Tapir Gallery Gift Shop is the fact that you e-mail your customers as to when things have shipped.

Erica

Our first shipment that isn't all about tapirs . . .

For the story, please check out Sheryl Todd's Personal Blog.

Fishing tapirs

Sheryl, your customer service is outstanding! My boyfriend loved the first one, I'm sure he'll love this one even more. We show our original tapir to everyone. Gets lots of laughs and great comments!