Our online web sales include novelty toys, and occasionally we get some toys that have cosmetic issues that make them feel awkward to be seen in public. This article discusses the plight of our squeaky frogs and rubbery alligators.
Some frogs arrive at our business with deformities, with the most common being distorted lips. While some of the frogs with this condition view a comical appearance as being an asset to being a cherished toy frog, others are embarrassed by the condition and are eager to have it corrected.
Corrective surgery is performed only on selected days when the specialist is here, and on those days the needy frogs swarm to the waiting room. About 30 were processed on the day of this photo shoot.
The operating room is shown set up for the procedure, except that the heat gun is not visible to lessen the possibility of panicky frogs. The copper pipe is used to steady the patient, but the round shape is also used to form the needed correction in appearance. The fan is used to stabilize the frog parts after the heating gun is used. The frogs undergo this procedure without anesthesia, and the fan also acts to calm the frogs and helps keep their thoughts away from the pipe that is filling their throats.
The patient seen below is typical, and he did not object to his photo being taken for this article.
The patient is now placed with the pipe up his throat. Note that he is pleased with the appearance he sees, but if removed from the pipe at this point his appearance would revert because the heat gun has not been used yet.
Heat is applied to the upper lip, making it malleable and receptive to new form suggestions. The surgeon watches carefully for the sign that sufficient heat has been applied (the lip gets a bit shinier looking), then he removes the heat and slowly slides the frog off the pipe, allowing the fan to cool the lip in the process.
When done properly, the result is a very happy frog with a new look.
He joins the other frogs that have completed the procedure in what we call the “happy box”.
Though less common, some frogs have other deformities. This frog has already had a lip restructuring done and is now ready for a leg straightening.
The pipe is removed temporarily from the OR and the vise is padded with an old sock to hold the frog. Although it looks as if the frog may be in agony, this is not the case. He is merely asking the frogs in the “happy box” what is on the cafeteria menu.
The heat gun is used again, this time on the afflicted leg joint. Pressure is applied to his back at the same time by the surgeon. With skill and luck, the frog gets a new, improved leg position. Below is the ‘after’ photo.
Another common case with multiple deformities is frogs having both lips in a puckered position.
This frog has his lower lip procedure first.
After both lips are done, we have another happy frog. You may have noted that the upper lip, though now raised, is not symmetrical. This frog was still happy with the result because he now feels “comical” looking instead of merely “goofy”.
We also have alligators that come to our clinic for jaw alignment, but in smaller numbers than the frogs. This is also a more difficult procedure, and the alligators are made aware that the procedure is risky before they sign a release. Here are some of the gators in the waiting room. Alligators are almost universally opposed to having either a goofy or comical look.
Ferocity is their preferred appearance.
The OR is re-setup for the gator procedure. The jaw is secured firmly to the pipe, but not too tightly, primarily to hold it steady during the procedure. It is not due to any feared gnashing of teeth from the patient.
With the jaw in the desired position, heat is now gently applied to the jaw joints.
As mentioned before, this is a riskier procedure that the frog lip realignment procedure, and sometimes unforeseen complications arise. The alligators have thinner skin compared to the frogs, and in spots where the skin is too thin, melting can unfortunately occur. Please keep in mind that a large majority of misaligned alligators go through this procedure satisfactorily. Most of those with failed procedures eventually accept their condition, and do the best they can in a non-ferocious role.
Here is a group of happy alligators that had a successful jaw alignment procedure. The added confidence is easy to see, and they are no longer afraid of ridicule when they chomp, snarl, or snap.
We feel that these procedures are welcome and beneficial to afflicted plastic toy animals everywhere. Thank you for reading our article.
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