Debbie you live in an area that makes having a fur a must. I was given a fur (my aunt was from NY), when she passed. I lived in AZ (are we seeing a problem?). I loved my aunt so I was not going to pass up her coat, I loved trying it on (and it gave me that loved feeling). But I was left with a coat I would not be able to enjoy as my aunt had and wanted me too. I didn't want to leave it in storage, so I made some "Ted-E Bear's". I gave one to my mom and another to my daughter gave the third one to my uncle, and I kept the fourth one. Everyone loved the bears, but most of all my uncle loved his. Because he was the one who always bought the new fur coat for my aunt, and he was the one who gave me the coat (because they had talked about it). My uncle was sick, but he always had that bear with him. So if you're unable to save your coat (to be worn as a coat), you can always make and love a "Ted-E Bear". Good luck