This is an interview in the continuing series “Talk to the Hand” which is about the typist behind the anipal(s). There are many plush anipals on Twitter, and @Bijntje is one of my favorites. His tweets always catch my eye. I would like to introduce @Bijntje’s mom, Martine, who lives in the southwest Netherlands near Rotterdam.

What is/are your passion/hobbies?
My 14 year old daughter Selina (@Selina_96), crochet, collecting teddy bears and especially collecting all sorts of things related to Snuggle the fabric softener bear.

What is your favorite word?
Bear

What is your least favorite words?
Animal cruelty, children abuse

What sound or noise do you love?
A flowing river. When I hear a river, I know that I am on holiday because we don’t have them here.

What sound or noise do you hate?
Vuvuzela

What is your favorite color?
Blue

Who is your anipal?
@Bijntje — he is the Dutch version of the Snuggle bear. We also have a guinea pig and some fish in a fish tank.

How did you decide to portray his personality?
I think I let @Bijntje do things that I used to do when I was younger, e.g. drinking loads of Baileys and dancing on the bar at #pawpawty (blush, blush).

Do you have an anipal shelter/rescue that is important to you?
Not really a special shelter. I donate to the #pawpawty ones.

Any additional comments?
I do love the Twitter world, especially the way that people support each other and the help you get. For example, because my hobby is collecting Snuggle things, I am sent items from anipals living in other countries to add to my collection which is very generous. There is always somebody willing and wanting to help you with things. I am beary happy that I am a part of this community.

Tagged as: @bijntje, Snuggle, teddy bear