After two teddy bears were mistakenly left at Seeds of Hope thrift store early last December, the search was on to find their owner. In the meantime, the bears will stay with a new caretaker.

LeAna Hug has taken it upon herself to foster the two bears. But they won't be alone. They will be in good company, joining more than 100 other bears at her home in Bismarck.

Hug had been in contact with Mary Ann Rausch, a volunteer at Seeds of Hope, and on Monday she was able to take home the bears. At least, until the true owner claims them, which is stated in the contract Hug signed in order to take them.

Hug said she doesn't know how she started collecting bears, but it kept going. And now all of her bears not only have names, they are part of families.

"Usually, my grandkids name them," said Hug.

When her grandkids were growing up and learning to read, Hug would put notes by the bears that they could read, and she said it was like the bears were talking to them.

The two rescued bears, one purple and the other red, may not be permanent in Hug's home, but she said her grandkids will probably still end up naming them.

If the owner wants to get a hold of the bears, they may contact Rausch at 221-2845.