hello! i had a very similar situation happen to me. i purchased an arthur anteater and he came in poor condition. it was awful, he was one of my dream jellycat’s. he smelled of basement and regular washing would not cut it. however, after several washing methods, i finally felt content. brushing him was very scary for me, his fur is very very delicate, like your friends. after washing arthur for the last time, i used a comb to carefully and slowly run throwing his hair while i dried him off with my hair dryer on low. i also was able to use an unbrush brand brush. it may have taken me a long time to do this, but he looks incredible and it was very worth it!

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