Starting in 1977, Patsy Fann began making puppets that swallow. That's right, they swallow objects. Patsy's full-bodied plush fur puppets provide limitless entertainment, imaginative play and educational value. You get the undivided attention of everyone in your audience because they probably have never seen a puppet eat and swallow an object.
The first swallowing puppet was a girl, Frieda, named for Patsy's 92-year old aunt who lives in San Antonio. Now there are over twenty-five different people and animal characters to choose from. Some of the more popular are Smackadoodles the Dog, Jessica the Bear, Vinnie the Varmit, Mr. Moosebumps, Pinky the Pig and Sara the Mouse.
Patsy's puppets have developed a genuine following with teachers and librarians throughout the country. She regularly does workshops for teachers and librarians at national and state conferences on using puppets in the classroom and library.
In addition to teachers, librarians and parents these puppets are used by professionals such as pediatricians, dentists, counselors and by church groups and clowns.
Recently Patsy launched her puppet-making abilities in a completely new area. She developed a new line of puppets for health professionals. Wyatt the dog not only swallows but comes with an articulable tongue, teeth and lips. Now speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists have a wonderful tool to work with their young patients. Douglas Rescue, Patsy's signing dog, is used to teach young children how to sign and he gives wonderful puppy hugs.
