Mike Doherty got the idea for The Complete Bear (www.thecompletebear.com) while shopping in Tahoe with his partner, or "husbear" as he calls him.  The woodsy and bear-themed products got him thinking and the rest is bear history.

The Complete Bear, founded in 2006, aims to provide the bear community with a single source for fine bear accessories (for the bear, his cub, and their den).  They search the globe for the world's elite brands and select the top gifts, apparel, accessories, grooming items and home furnishings.  They also have The Twisted Bear, which celebrates the leather life in bear style.

In this interview with Chris Turner, founder of Daddyhunt, Mike talks about his inspiration for the Complete Bear as well as his not-so-secret celebrity bear crushes.

Chris:    So how did you get the idea to start The Complete Bear?

Mike:    Husbear and I were up in Tahoe, I was shopping of course!  I loved all the rustic bear stuff and the rest is bear history

Chris:    I know you have a couple different main sites... The Complete Bear and Twisted Bear. Can you tell us a bit about each of those?

Mike:    The Complete bear is for the bear, his cub and their den.  Everything from rustic furnishings to jockstraps - which by the way they don't sell in Tahoe!

Chris:    You have to be wearing a jockstrap to enjoy those rustic furnishings!

Mike:    The Twisted Bear is a bit more leathery.  I love my leathers- but sadly there is just more of me to try and squeeze in now, so I needed something in real sizes. Leather made for a Bear!

Chris:    So what are guys buying for the husbears this holiday season? What are your most popular house wear items and your most popular "twisted" items?

Mike:    Bling!!  The Cynthian Bear pendant is manly enough for the discerning bear. On the twisted side - nothing beats a motorcycle jacket, except maybe a kilt, which must be worn commando!

Chris:    I love a man in a Kilt. Me and my husband bought some a couple years ago. Feels great walking around with the fresh air on your balls.

Mike:    Taking the boys out for a stroll, if you may.

Chris:    You guys also have a lot of community stuff on your site including a blog and links to bear resources and other companies. Can you talk about what it means to you to be a part of the bear community?

Mike:    The bear community was founded on the concept of inclusion.  The Ursine Brotherhood.  We sell to bears, because we are bears and we want to treat customers the way we'd like to be treated.  When we first launched, we were privileged to have support from the Bears of San Francisco and Mr. Bear Himself, Harry Litt.  The community has always been there for us, and we try to return the favor.

Chris:    It is a wonderful community to be a part of. I love BOSF and Harry Litt. Now for the question that you've heard 1,000 times before, how do you define a bear?

Mike:    We don't, but if we did it would probably be something furry with a big heart.

Chris:    So who do you think is the ideal bear celebrity? Who do you think is hot in Hollywood?

Mike:    The guy that will sell you anything, Billy Mays!

Chris:    Oh... the Oxi Clean guy! He is a sexy bear and daddy if I might add.

Mike:    Though the ultimate bear still remains Richard Karn aka Al Borland from Home Improvement.  I met him on a flight to New York, he was the nicest guy ever.  I could cuddle up to that flannel.

Chris:    Was it difficult having a conversation without flirting with him? I think I'd have trouble looking at him without drooling a little bit.

Mike:    I think he gets it all the time.  He was genuinely nice, so I didn't want to come off like a dog, so sadly I behaved myself. He's also the kind of daddy bear you want to wake up and make waffles for . . .

Chris:    Well, there's always next time. He does look like the type of guy that you would want more than just your mile-high club badge from.

Mike:    Exactly!  But, Billy Mays would be a trick!