Since the 1960s, sculptor Lou Rankin has earned his reputation for creating unique images of his favorite animal friends in concrete – preserving the mystery, humor, warmth and friendship he had found in animals during childhood afternoons at the zoo. In the mid-1990s, the artist was prevailed upon to lend his images to a new medium – plush. An entirely new audience was introduced to his animals and the Lou Rankin look was born anew. Joining the Encore cadre of artists in 2007, the Lou Rankin Best Friends™ Collection of loveable friends is a renewed tribute to the artist and his favorite friends.