Latest news with #RainbowBrite
Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Your Favorite Childhood Toys Are Having A Major Comeback
Between Funko Pop figurines targeting every corner of popular culture fandom and the recent rise of blind boxes, adults are collecting and playing with toys like never before. Companies like The Loyal Subjects and Basic Fun took notice and have been attracting the attention of older toy enthusiasts, specifically Gen X and Millennials, by reviving popular brands like Rainbow Brite, Strawberry Shortcake, Littlest Pet Shop and several others. Loyal Subjects CEO Jonathan Cathey told us, 'I don't think we had a conscious strategy other than to go after what we liked and knew — sort of that age old writer wisdom — 'write what you know'. Being born in '74, I came of age with these brands, so I had a visceral connection... I knew there were many folks like me... so it just seemed like a no-brainer. It's sort of the anti-data approach, just go with your gut kind-a-thing.'It was a gut instinct that paid off. The brand's Rainbow Brite re-release took home the 'Doll of the Year' award at the 2025 Toy Awards. It's also worth noting that a Transformer toy took home 'Action Figure of the Year' and an updated version of Uno won 'Game of the Year.' Jay Foreman, CEO of Basic Fun, explained, 'What makes [these brands] popular is that they have an extra charm and appeal that makes them memorable and endearing, generation after generation. So the brands that bring back memories are the ones that tend to remain popular.' Some of the toys have been restored just as you remember. Others have been updated slightly to align with current trends. We rounded up some of these throwback toys guaranteed to send you drifting down memory lane and spoke to some collectors about their favorites. A new kind of Care Bear Care Bears were originally created in 1981 to be featured on greeting cards. In the decades since, the characters have been the focus of TV shows, movies, games and (of course) dolls. The newest line, including this Grumpy Bear, are designed to help kids express their emotions and made from materials to help comfort children with sensory it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in 11 colors). A truly outrageous music icon Barbie has had a chokehold on the pop culture zeitgeist for generations, but the '80s were Jem's time to shine. As the star of an animated series from 1985 to 1988, her flamboyant style and personality left such a lasting impression on kids at the time that they're now snatching up the revived doll line. Our own Noah Michelson is one such collector: "I know some people think nostalgia can be dangerous because it romanticizes the past in a way that often isn't entirely accurate, but I think leaning into it can also be a relief in some ways. So much is terrible right now and these toys are a reminder of — and a portal to — a better time."Get it from Walmart for $34. A colorful intergalactic superhero First introduced in 1984, Rainbow Brite leads a group of heroes who protect all of the colors of the universe. The Loyal Subjects revival of toy line is one of their most popular endeavors so far, earning them awards and accolades in the industry and from fans. While this 12-inch doll is the clear standout, the collection also includes mini figurines, bag charms and enamel pins. Get it from Amazon for $19.46. A set of miniature animal friends A few years before Pokémon took the world by storm in the '90s, Littlest Pet Shop had young people all over trying to collect them all. Relaunched in 2022 by Basic Fun, fans of the original pets are embracing their tiny friends again with open arms. YouTuber Emily Kay explains, "I have around 750 Littlest Pet Shops. I've been collecting since I was around 6 years old and I'm 23 now! I stopped buying LPS when I went to college, it had been so long since Hasbro had made the type of Littlest Pet Shops that collectors like myself preferred, and there were less and less people involved in the community. I find the community to be a big part of why I enjoy collecting LPS! Once Basic Fun brought back the older style, I started to collect and make videos again with my rediscovered passion."Get it from Amazon for $11.99. An adorable adoptable dog Millennials have been living by the "adopt, don't shop" mantra since we were little kids. Between Cabbage Patch Kids and Pound Puppies, we adored dolls that came with adoption certificates and gave them loving homes. The original line of Pound Puppies ceased production in 2003, but the adoption shelter reopened in 2019 when Basic Fun brought back some familiar faces and introduced a few new it from Amazon for $14.99. A boy doll from 1985 with an unforgettable theme song Historically, most dolls have been designed to appear female and they've been marketed toward girls. Hasbro attempted to shake things up in the mid-'80s by creating My Buddy for boys. There are long-standing rumors that the doll served as visual inspiration for the murderous toy star of "Child's Play" franchise, but not even Chucky could stop this little guy from making his big return to shelves in February of it from Walmart for $39.97. A special anniversary-edition figurine for horse girls (and boys) everywhere My Little Pony has had several iterations since its debut in 1981. The adult fanbase for these magical horses is large enough that it was the subject of a documentary made back in 2012. Basic Fun introduced a limited edition re-release of the original line-up to celebrate the brand's 40th anniversary in 2021. I'm not sure they still qualify as ponies at 40 years old. Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in six colors). A sweet-scented doll with some equally fragrant friends While Rainbow Brite is off on her intergalactic travel preserving color in the universe, Strawberry Shortcake and her pals are holding it down on Earth baking sweet fruity treats. The first doll was introduced in 1979 and continues to have a devoted following with each new release thanks to The Loyal Subjects. Get it from Amazon for $25.98.
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Health
- Miami Herald
‘Leopard dog' was found tethered to fence in Arizona heat. Now, she needs a home
American pit bull terriers aren't known for having elaborate coats of fur. But when one was found tethered to a fence beneath the beaming sun in the Arizona heat, her unusual appearance caught the eyes of rescuers. With decorative spots dyed all over her body, she soon became known as the 'leopard dog,' the Arizona Humane Society said in a July 10 news release. Now, a little over a month after her rescue, the 5-year-old dog — named Rainbow Brite — and her nine pups are looking for a home, the nonprofit said. The nonprofit said its staff responded to a report of a dog 'tethered to a fence in triple digit temperatures with no shelter and no water' on May 29. When staff arrived, they found Rainbow Brite with her puppies 'in direct sun with no water on 133-degree pavement,' the nonprofit said. 'It was also discovered that Rainbow was covered in leopard patterned dye,' the nonprofit said. She and her pups were heat stressed, according to the nonprofit. Rainbow's temperature measured 106 degrees, she was panting heavily and had bright red gums, the nonprofit said. Staff on scene quickly worked to lower her temperature, giving her water and covering her in wet towels, the nonprofit said. 'Within five minutes, her temperature lowered to 102.5 degrees – a sign of just how overheated she was,' the nonprofit said. After she was stabilized, Rainbow and her puppies were taken to the nonprofit's animal hospital, where staff found she was underweight. 'But the whole family was luckily found to be relatively healthy overall,' the nonprofit said. While she was in the care of a foster family, the nonprofit said 'Rainbow gained 20 pounds and the pups continued to grow big and strong.' After weeks of care, Rainbow and her pups are ready for a new home. 'I'm a sweet pup who just loves attention and meeting new people, it is one of my very favorite things in the whole world,' her profile on the nonprofit's website says. As of July 11, Rainbow was still up for adoption through the nonprofit's South Mountain Campus in Phoenix.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Rescuers Respond to Call About a Neglected Dog. They Find a 'Leopard' Left with a Litter of Puppies
An animal shelter in Arizona was in for a surprise when they received a call about a "leopard" and some puppies in need of assistance The Arizona Humane Society rescued a pit bull terrier named Rainbow Brite — found painted to look like a leopard — and her nine puppies from 99-degree weather The 5-year-old dog and her puppies have received veterinary care and are in a foster home togetherAn animal shelter in Arizona was in for a surprise when they received a call about a "leopard" and some puppies in need of assistance. On Thursday, May 29, the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) in Phoenix received a call from a neighbor reporting a dog in need of help, as she and her nine puppies were tethered to a leash outdoors in the scorching Arizona heat. "The temperature that day in Phoenix was 99 degrees," a representative from AHS tells PEOPLE, and a photo of the rescue shows that the concrete sidewalk was even hotter, clocking in at 133 degrees. When the shelter's Emergency Animal Medical Technicians (EAMT) arrived on scene alongside officers from the Phoenix Police Department, they were in for quite the surprise — the mama dog, later named Rainbow Brite, was painted with multi-colored spots, meant to make her look like a leopard. "We don't know how or when she received her spots, but the condition she was in when our EAMTs arrived on scene indicated she was in need of help," AHS representative Joe Casados told Newsweek of the dogs' conditions. According to the representative, Rainbow Brite's owner surrendered the 5-year-old American pit bull terrier and her puppies to the shelter, agreeing that they "could no longer care for them." Rainbow Brite and her large litter went from their old home to the Lazin Animal Foundation Trauma Hospital, which is one of the largest level-one trauma pet hospitals in the U.S. According to AHS, Rainbow Brite's temperature was dangerously high, and veterinarians used cool towels to bring it down from 105.7 to 102.5. Vets also found that the mama dog was underweight—a concerning finding in a nursing dog, as she needs "calories to help keep her, and her puppies, healthy," the shelter tells PEOPLE. Eventually, AHS's staff stabilized Rainbow Brite. She and her nine pups — affectionately called her "sprites" — were transferred to AHS's "Mutternity Suites," a calming space dedicated to the shelter's pregnant and nursing mama dogs. Rainbow Brite's spots also made her a minor social media star. In a TikTok shared to the shelter's official account, a shelter representative visits the pit bull terrier in her enclosure and tells the viewers, "I heard we have a leopard in our mutternity suites." The video has over 75,000 views and shows Rainbow Brite happily nursing her litter and chowing down on some treats. "We don't know how or when she received her spots, but we are thankful she is cool, comfortable, and safe and getting the care she needs," the shelter tells PEOPLE. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. According to AHS, the animal family of 10 will soon be available for adoption. However, for now, all the canines have been placed with a foster family. "When ready, they will return to the shelter for spay/neuter surgeries and vaccines before AHS will work to find everyone a new, safe home," AHS says, adding that the shelter has dozens of other pets in need of fostering. In a follow-up TikTok video, the shelter heavily advocated against leaving dogs outdoors in extreme heat. It noted that tethering a dog outside in several Arizona cities is illegal. "We are happy that her owner agreed to surrender her, so that Rainbow Brite and her nine sprites have a second chance at a new life," AHS said in the video. "Sharing her story is a reminder for everyone that she is just one of the many pets in the valley who are tied outside in our extreme weather." "The [AHS] strongly urges pet owners not to tether their pets, as it is extremely dangerous," the shelter added. "Rainbow did have her spots before we picked her up, and eventually the dye will fade. But for now, she will keep people guessing if she really is part leopard." Read the original article on People
Newsweek
11-06-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Shelter Gets Call About Mama Dog, Then They See Her Fur—'We Have a Leopard'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A shelter received a call about a mama dog and her puppies who were in desperate need of help, unprepared for what their staff would find. On Thursday, May 29, the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) in Phoenix was contacted by a good Samaritan about a dog with distinctive spots they would come to learn was called Rainbow Brite. She and her litter of nine pups were in desperate need of help. "The good Samaritan had seen Rainbow Brite tied on a short leash in a backyard in full sun without water," Joe Casados from AHS told Newsweek. "The temperature that day in Phoenix was 99 degrees [Fahrenheit]." When staff from AHS arrived on the scene, including AHS Emergency Animal Medical Technicians (EAMTs), two things immediately caught their attention: one was Rainbow's distinctive leopard-print coat coloring; and the other was the distressing condition all of the dogs were in. "We don't know how or when she received her spots, but the condition she was in when our EAMTs arrived on scene indicated she was in need of help," Casados said. Rainbow's owner agreed to surrender her and her puppies to the AHS after concluding they "could no longer care for them." By then, the EAMTs had swung into action, transporting Rainbow and her puppies to the AHS Lazin Animal Foundation Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital, one of the largest, level-one trauma hospitals for homeless pets in the nation. "The veterinary team used cool towels to bring Rainbow Brite's temperature down from 105.7 to 102.5," Casados said. "She was also underweight, which is especially concerning as a nursing mom who needs calories to help keep her, and her puppies, healthy." Though Rainbow and her litter are expected to make a full recovery, things could have played out very differently that day, had the AHS not been tipped off. "Rainbow Brite was in an incredibly dangerous situation when she was found," Casados said. "Being left outside in the Arizona sun with no water, and puppies to care for, would have very likely lead to a poor outcome for Rainbow Brite and her puppies." Things have gotten considerably better since for Rainbow and her nine puppies, who have been nicknamed "the Sprites" by staff at AHS. Once they were all stable, the dogs were transferred to AHS Mutternity Suites, a dedicated, quiet space for pregnant and nursing moms and their puppies. In the meantime, Rainbow Brite has emerged as something of a celebrity with a video of her and her pups proving popular on the AHS TikTok channel @azhumanesociety. "We have a leopard," a caption accompanying the clip states. The video has already been watched over 72,000 times. Rainbow Sprite and her puppies have moved in with a foster home where they will continue to gain weight, recover and grow. They will then return for vaccinations as well as spay or neuter surgeries before being put up for adoption. "We are still learning about Rainbow Brite's personality and her foster family will help provide us with a full report, which will give us more information on the type of home she would be best suited for," Casados said. It is crucial for pet owners to exercise caution in hot weather conditions. The charity PETA said that, in 2024, at least 111 animals, primarily dogs, died from heat-related causes in the U.S. Back in 2022, five puppies died and four more had to be rushed to a medical center after being left outside in a Texas backyard in high temperatures.
Buzz Feed
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Your Fave Childhood Toys Are Having A Major Comeback
Between Funko Pop figurines targeting every corner of popular culture fandom and the recent rise of blind boxes, adults are collecting and playing with toys like never before. Companies like The Loyal Subjects and Basic Fun took notice and have been attracting the attention of older toy enthusiasts, specifically Gen X and Millennials, by reviving popular brands like Rainbow Brite, Strawberry Shortcake, Littlest Pet Shop and several others. Loyal Subjects CEO Jonathan Cathey told us, 'I don't think we had a conscious strategy other than to go after what we liked and knew — sort of that age-old writer wisdom — 'write what you know'. Being born in '74, I came of age with these brands, so I had a visceral connection... I knew there were many folks like me... so it just seemed like a no-brainer. It's sort of the anti-data approach, just go with your gut kind-a-thing.'It was a gut instinct that paid off. The brand's Rainbow Brite re-release took home the 'Doll of the Year' award at the 2025 Toy Awards. It's also worth noting that a Transformer toy took home 'Action Figure of the Year' and an updated version of Uno won 'Game of the Year.' Jay Foreman, CEO of Basic Fun, explained, 'What makes [these brands] popular is that they have an extra charm and appeal that makes them memorable and endearing, generation after generation. So the brands that bring back memories are the ones that tend to remain popular.' Some of the toys have been restored just as you remember. Others have been updated slightly to align with current trends. We rounded up some of these throwback toys guaranteed to send you drifting down memory lane and spoke to some collectors about their favorites. A new kind of Care Bear Care Bears were originally created in 1981 to be featured on greeting cards. In the decades since, the characters have been the focus of TV shows, movies, games and (of course) dolls. The newest line, including this Grumpy Bear, are designed to help kids express their emotions and made from materials to help comfort children with sensory it from Amazon for $13.97+ (available in 11 styles). A truly outrageous music icon Barbie has had a chokehold on the pop culture zeitgeist for generations, but the '80s were Jem's time to shine. As the star of an animated series from 1985 to 1988, her flamboyant style and personality left such a lasting impression on kids at the time that they're now snatching up the revived doll line. Our own Noah Michelson is one such collector: "I know some people think nostalgia can be dangerous because it romanticizes the past in a way that often isn't entirely accurate, but I think leaning into it can also be a relief in some ways. So much is terrible right now and these toys are a reminder of — and a portal to — a better time."Get it from Walmart for $34.95. A colorful intergalactic superhero First introduced in 1984, Rainbow Brite leads a group of heroes who protect all of the colors of the universe. The Loyal Subjects revival of toy line is one of their most popular endeavors so far, earning them awards and accolades in the industry and from fans. While this 12-inch doll is the clear standout, the collection also includes mini figurines, bag charms and enamel pins. Get it from Amazon for $14 (also available in three other styles). A set of miniature animal friends A few years before Pokémon took the world by storm in the '90s, Littlest Pet Shop had young people all over trying to collect them all. Relaunched in 2022 by Basic Fun, fans of the original pets are embracing their tiny friends again with open arms. YouTuber Emily Kay explains, "I have around 750 Littlest Pet Shops. I've been collecting since I was around 6 years old and I'm 23 now! I stopped buying LPS when I went to college, it had been so long since Hasbro had made the type of Littlest Pet Shops that collectors like myself preferred, and there were less and less people involved in the community. I find the community to be a big part of why I enjoy collecting LPS! Once Basic Fun brought back the older style, I started to collect and make videos again with my rediscovered passion."Get them from Amazon for $11.99. An adorable adoptable dog Millennials have been living by the "adopt, don't shop" mantra since we were little kids. Between Cabbage Patch Kids and Pound Puppies, we adored dolls that came with adoption certificates and gave them loving homes. The original line of Pound Puppies ceased production in 2003, but the adoption shelter reopened in 2019 when Basic Fun brought back some familiar faces and introduced a few new it from Amazon for $14.99. A boy doll from 1985 with an unforgettable theme song Historically, most dolls have been designed to appear female and they've been marketed toward girls. Hasbro attempted to shake things up in the mid-'80s by creating My Buddy for boys. There are long-standing rumors that the doll served as visual inspiration for the murderous toy star of "Child's Play" franchise, but not even Chucky could stop this little guy from making his big return to shelves in February of it from Walmart for $34.97. A special anniversary-edition figurine for horse girls (and boys) everywhere My Little Pony has had several iterations since its debut in 1981. The adult fanbase for these magical horses is large enough that it was the subject of a documentary made back in 2012. Basic Fun introduced a limited edition re-release of the original line-up to celebrate the brand's 40th anniversary in 2021. I'm not sure they still qualify as ponies at 40 years old. Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in six styles). A sweet-scented doll with some equally fragrant friends While Rainbow Brite is off on her intergalactic travel preserving color in the universe, Strawberry Shortcake and her pals are holding it down on Earth baking sweet fruity treats. The first doll was introduced in 1979 and continues to have a devoted following with each new release thanks to The Loyal Subjects. Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in two styles).
