Meet the Bears: Dawnie Grace – A Story of Trauma, Resilience, and Joyful Transformation
All proceeds after manufacturing costs go directly to the Animals Asia Foundation.
When our rescue team first met Dawnie Grace in 2017, she was clinging desperately to the roof of her cage on a bile farm near Ho Chi Minh City. Terrified of humans, her fear was palpable. But with patience—and a trail of strawberry jam—she was gently coaxed into a transport cage and taken to the safety of Animals Asia’s Tam Dao sanctuary.
Her carer, Sarah van Herpt, recalls: “As I walked into the farm and saw her, my heart just broke for her.”
Fragile Beginnings
Life in captivity had left Dawnie Grace with deep emotional scars and serious health problems. She arrived suffering from a broken jaw, recurring urinary tract infections, and allergic reactions to medication. Fragile and withdrawn, she found some comfort in Mia, another bear rescued from the same farm, forming a tentative but meaningful bond.
Finding Her Tribe
Over time, Dawnie Grace’s world opened up. She was slowly integrated into a gentle bear group at the Little Toy Bear House, where she flourished. With Mia still faithfully by her side, she grew close to three playful males—Milagro, Bubu, and Zebedee—spending her days splashing in the pool, wrestling, and soaking up the sunshine.
Strength Through Adversity
Despite ongoing health challenges—including complex jaw surgery, bladder infections, and kidney problems—Dawnie Grace has shown remarkable resilience. Through our Cooperative Care program, she even takes part in her own medical checks, calmly opening her mouth wide for our vets when asked. Her quiet bravery inspires everyone around her.
A Life Transformed
Today, Dawnie Grace is unrecognizable from the frightened bear she once was. With her thick glossy coat, playful spirit, and cheeky smile, she thrives on simple joys: spinning barrels, climbing platforms, splashing in tubs, and foraging for her favorite treats—especially sweetcorn and apples. And when it comes to medicine, she has one clear rule: it must be hidden in banana chunks drenched in syrup, or she’ll grumble in protest!
When she seeks peace, Dawnie Grace rests in the shade, gently chewing leafy branches, fully at home in the sanctuary she so deserves.
Dawnie Grace Today
From fear to freedom, from brokenness to joy, Dawnie Grace’s journey is a testament to the healing power of compassion, patience, and love. She reminds us that no matter how dark the past, with care and kindness, life can be transformed.
By purchasing Meet the Bears: Dawnie Grace, you are directly supporting Animals Asia’s mission to rescue more bears, end bear bile farming, and give survivors the safe, loving homes they deserve.
✨ Dawnie Grace is more than a survivor—she’s a symbol of resilience and hope.
Meet the perfect gift for any holiday, birthday, or special occasion, the teddy bear with its own t-shirt. Available in an adorable size of 7″ by 10″, the teddy bear comes with a cute bow, super soft synthetic fur, and 100% polyester fiber filling for maximum huggability. All your designs, names, and photos go on the t-shirt in pristine detail and vivid colors.
.: Material: 100% polyester
.: One size: 7″ x 10″ (17.8 x 25.4 cm)
.: Comes with a black bow tie
.: Sewn in label
.: Handwash only (the shirt)
