Missing A Stuffed Bunny? Cabot's Ice Cream May Have It

NEWTON, MA — Many of us have a story about losing — or watching the aftermath of a child lose — a beloved childhood toy. It's not pretty. And now, during a time when the comfort of familiar can go a long way toward easing pandemic change, such loss can feel all the more harsh.

So when one small person left behind a very loved-looking stuffed bunny, rather than put it in a lost-and-found box under the counter or toss it, Joe Prestejohn the owner of Cabot's Ice Cream decided to send word that they had the bunny.

"It looks like a very important snuggle for someone," said Prestejohn, whose two children both had snuggle toys growing up.

Cabot's has been in business for more than 50 years and people are always leaving things behind, he said. They get put in a box and then donated after some time if the owners don't come back to claim them.

"But a little 'lovey' toy like that? That's so important, my kids each had one, so I know the value of them. Sometimes you can't replace them," he said.

Prestejohn said it couldn't hurt to post about the bunny on Facebook, in the hope that someone would recognize the bunny.

According to the folks at Cabot's they found the bunny Friday Jan. 8. They posted about the bunny twice in the first week he was there.

But several weeks later, the bunny is still unclaimed.

Prestejohn said he's been watching the comments under the Facebook photo he posted of the bunny, in the hopes of a lead to reuniting the bunny with the child.

On Jan. 30, they tried again.

He hasn't been able to bring himself to toss the little toy.

"Maybe the new bunny can become the mascot," Prestejohn said. "Next week's flavor will be carrot cake that's for sure."

In the meantime, the bunny is being well taken care of —and well-fed.

If you recognize this bunny, reach out to Cabot's at 617-964-9200.

Jenna Fisher is a news reporter for Patch. Got a tip? She can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a something you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how.