Inflatable of the Day 4/4

Today’s inflatable is pretty special to me. This was probably the one that really started my passion for them and my collecting, and we go way back to when I was about 14 years old. I’m talking about the RINCO Wolf! This guy was made and sold by the Rhode Island Novelty Company (hence, RINCO) between 2004 and 2008, and was meant to be a carnival or fair prize. The wolf is about 3 feet long from nose to tail, and has a squeaker in one of his hind legs that sounds like a dog toy! This was the very first inflatable wolf I ever saw when I was younger, and I begged my father to let me use his credit card to buy one online. As soon as the toy arrived, I instantly fell in love. Now that I’m older, I sorely regret not knowing at the time that you could buy them in bulk. They are quite rare now…they used to sell for about $7 each from RINCO direct, but now you’re lucky to pay less than $50 for one, if you can even find one! I’ve had several over the years; my current one is named Lucky, and he follows me around everywhere I go. He is a great conversation starter, airplane pillow, emotional support animal, and snuggle buddy! Lucky has been to such far-flung places as Germany and the Bahamas with me. (Incidentally, if you ever see one of these wolves somewhere, tell me quick and you might get a finder’s fee!!)