October 1994 was the worst of times for the Rothenberg family

October 1994 was the worst of times for the Rothenberg family.
     Elaine Rothenberg, now president of The Dov Bear Co., lost her husband, Barret. Larry Rothenberg lost his father, but founded Dov Bear during his search to honor him.
     Today, Barret Rothenberg's light of life continues to shine through the Dov Bear Co.'s signature bear.
     After his fathers death, Larry reconnected with his former law-school roommate, Larry Saichek, to form Dov Bear.
     Rothenberg a self-proclaimed avid collector, surprised no one with his ideaof starting a bear company.

   Introduced to bean bag collectibles in 1995 by his sister, Lora, he now owns bears from almost every major manufacturer.
     "I wanted to create a bear that I would buy for my own collection," he sais.
     "The first step was to get the best designer in the marketplace, and that is Sally Winey," says Saichek, an attorney who has put his practice on hold for Dov Bears.
     In August 1997 at the Mary Beth's Bean Bag World Anniversary Show in Rosemont, Illinois, the never timid Rothenberg introduced himself to the world-renowned bear artist Winey. She later agreed to design his line.

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