Solution to Emotional Support Animal Debate: Comfort Golden Retriever
If you're a regular reader you know I don't reveal a lot of personal stuff on the blog. It's not that I don't love you guys, but baring all isn't my thing.
No nudity for me. LOL, had to inject a little humor. That being said, sometimes things come up and I lay my cards on the table so to speak.
The last two years have been a bit rough for us. Last year my father-in-law had a series of multiple strokes which left him unable to care for himself.
He was already suffering some signs of Alzheimer's Disease before the strokes and the strokes made it worse. They robbed him of the person he was and stole his joy. Until now. In the form of a comfort golden retriever.
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Hasbro's Joy For All brand as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. All opinions expressed in my post are my own.
Comfort Golden Retriever
Because my father-in-law has Alzheimer's and other medical problems, my mother-in-law is his primary caregiver. But this summer, she fell and broke her hip.
And just like that, Jeff and I were thrust into the role of caring for and parenting a parent, again.
This isn't the first time we've cared for a parent. Many years ago my mom lived with us during her last few weeks before she passed away from cancer.
It's a weird dynamic. Telling your parent what to do. Being the bossy one. Although, if you ask my younger sisters (or anyone), I've never had a problem bossing someone around.
Caring for an older, aged parent who can't take care of themselves is another entirely different matter. Bathing, dressing, and helping your parent in the restroom robs them of their dignity.
It's hard to get some sense of normalcy back. Finding little joys and comforts are few and far between. For most people, pets are that comfort.
My in-laws have always had golden retrievers. Their last one, Lady Di (yep, named after the Princess of Wales) died several decades ago. Our golden retriever is their surrogate four-legged grandchild. They love having him visit.
Because my father-in-law is confined to his chair and bed, he can't play with our dog. And with his medical equipment, the dog doesn't get to come over as often. My father-in-law has missed that companionship.
When I gave my father-in-law the Hasbro Joy for All Companion Pet: Golden Pup, it brought a smile to his face as wide as the Nile River. It was as if the dam had burst. Nothing could contain his happiness. He hasn't smiled like that in a long time.
Realistic
My in-laws couldn't get over the Hasbro Joy for All Companion Pets life-like features. The pets have soft fur, respond to touch, and make sounds.
Like a real dog or cat. So real that my father-in-law asked the cat, "What's your name?" And our dog thought the pup was a real puppy and wanted to play.
The cat purrs when you pet or brush it (brush included) and rolls onto its back.
The comfort golden retriever, Golden Pup, cocks its head toward you when you talk to it, barks, and makes cute puppy like sounds. It even nuzzles your hand when you stroke its cheek.
But no worries, the Pet Pup nor Pet Cat won't get all Cujo or Ex Machina on you.
Unlike a real animal, you can mute the Companion pet. So you get all the benefits of a pet without the negatives. You don't have to feed it, walk it, or clean up after it. Say goodbye to that poop scooper.
My father-in-law loves his comfort golden retriever, "Marvelous. Those animals are wonderful."
Health Benefits
Having a pet improves your health by lowering your blood pressure and reducing stress. Just petting a dog lowers your heart rate.
And because you can pet, talk to and cuddle Hasbro Joy For All Companion Pets, you get the health benefits without having to clean up and look after a pet. Great for someone who can't take care of themselves and for their caregivers who are already looking after them.
To fight against loneliness, Hasbro provided Joy For All Companion Pets to housebound seniors in five states through the Meals on Wheels program.
If you watched This is Us, you'll recognize the Orange Tabby Cat from Season 6, episode 16.
Solution to Emotional Support Animal Debate
Because the Hasbro Joy For All Companion Pets are so life-like, they are the solution to the emotional support animal debate.
Think about it. A robot dog or cat aka Hasbro's Joy for All Companion Pet is the perfect emotional support animal and a win for everyone. Here's why:
Win for the passenger:
- A doctor's note isn't required
- You don't have to contact the airline 48 hours in advance when you bring a Joy For All Companion Pet on the plane
- You can sit in the exit row (emotional support and service animals are barred from exit rows)
- Doesn't have to fit on your lap or under your seat
Win for other passengers and crew:
- No allergic reaction from other passengers
- There's nothing to clean up (accidents do happen...)
- A Hasbro Joy For All Companion Pet won't get into a fight with another emotional support animal on the plane
Apartment or Tiny House
If you live in an apartment or tiny house, consider Hasbro Joy For All Companion Pets.
You won't have to pay a pet deposit, the neighbors won't complain about the noise, and your kids will have a furry companion of their own.
Another consideration when living in a small space is finding narrow walkers for seniors. A comfort golden retriever won't get in the way of the walker.
Conclusion
My father-in-law loves his comfort golden retriever, aka the Golden Pup, Hasbro's Joy For All Companion Pet.
The Hasbro Joy For All Companion Pets are marketed as a companion for the elderly, especially those that are housebound, need extra care, or are afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease. But they're perfect for everyone from young children, people who need an emotional support animal, to the elderly.
With life-like features and sounds but without the work of a real pet, the Companion Pet is a good solution to the emotional support animal debate.
Hasbro's Joy For All Companion Pets are the only emotional support animal you'll need, especially the comfort golden retriever.
Pro-tip: Save 10% off your purchase when you use coupon code: JOY2016
What do you think? Can a Hasbro Joy For All Companion Pet like the comfort golden retriever, solve the problem with emotional support animals?
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This was so interesting! I love golden retrievers!
I can't tell you how happy this post makes me. Kids and animals can do so much to help patients like this. I'd love to see more of this in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
This is such a sweet post! Animals make such a big difference in people's lives. They're so comforting and even a fake one can do wonders for people!
That's such a great idea. I think this is perfect for anyone who's feeling lonely but can't take care of a real pet. I also think this would be a great intro to pet ownership for kids.
I absolutly love this idea! Animals can be so helpful in many ways.
This is a fantastic idea! Love it!
What a wonderful idea! I know animals can bring comfort to so many people the stuffed animals can really help out for those that are allergic or just wants to cuddle with the stuffed animal to feel better.
My boys would love this dog. They cant have pets due to allergies so this is perfect
What a beautiful idea, I think this would help my elder relatives so much. Especially if they have had pets previous to going into a home.
Oh this is such a unique idea. What a great program. I am glad you have found something that helps bring him comfort.
Very cute! I'd love to see this implemented in children's hospitals.
Aw I've never heard of this sweet concept. Would be very helpful to have a support mechanism such as this cozy pup.
This will be my grandmom's gift for Christmas. She will love it!
Aww this is such a great idea! Not everyone can have a real pet, and these would be a great alternative.
What a great idea for aging adults. My husbands grandmother would love this friend I think. I am going to share this post with my Mother IN Law so we can talk about taking one to grandma at her assisted living center. THank you for this great information!
I think these puppies are amazing! I have seen the way people with dementia respond to baby dolls and I'm sure this is similar!!
This was a very bright idea where you can have all the benefits you can have a dog friend without any hassle of giving them food, taking a bath, or even check-ups. It was perfectly made for the elders who cannot do a lot of things anymore. This would be perfect for hospitals where comfort and love is a must in every patient, that they can get temporarily from that comfort golden retriever.
I also saw some photos of these with cats. It is truly a wonderful idea from hasbro! Animals offer such wonderful healing qualities and I hope these toys bring love and happiness to their new owners!
That’s such a great idea. I think that's perfect for anyone who’s feeling lonely! Love it!
I do want to say your soul is golden. Many blessings to you for taking care of your parents. I often see people send their parents to a home and strip them of what was theirs (their own home that they grew up in). You are doing the right thing and although its hard, they cared for you when you were difficult. It's good to give that care back.
What a beautiful idea this is! Animals have so much healing power and this is perfect for someone who can't have a real pet.
What a great idea! I wonder why little pups like these haven't come around sooner? Especially in this case, when the companionship is being missed.
It's amazing that the stuffed Golden could bring so much joy to your father-in-law! Also, it's amazing what you and your husband are doing for him and your family.
I had just recently heard of the comfort golden retreiver. I love it already and this is only the second time I have heard of it. I think it is wonderful that something like this can bring comfort to people! <3
This is such a great idea! I know lots of people are comforted by dogs.
This is one of the prettiest toys I've seen! I definitely need one for myself
These are so cute! I would love to get one for my uncle. I love the idea and how helpful they can be.
What a neat puppy, they are so cute too! It's amazing what a good companion can do for someone.
This is such a clever idea. I might have to get this for my kids! They want a pet so badly, but I'm allergic.
Great idea, especially when your kids ask for pets and you live in a small apartment.
It absolutely DOES make it much easier because there's no care involved. However, it's the emotional response a dog gives that the huge difference.
What a wonderful and safe option for those who need it. It's hard to feel lonely.
I have seen these recently and love the idea behind them! My Grandma or kids would love this little cuddly friend!
Dogs are stress-relievers. Had numerous dogs since I was a kid. Whenever I got sick, they are the one who makes me feel better
Nice post. Seems like this could really help a lot of people! Thank you for sharing 🙂
This is such a fantastic idea, and I am delighted to hear that it has helped your family. Wishing you all the best for the New Year!
Omg-- I'm not going to lie, when I saw this on twitter I wasn't sure if it was real or not! I am kinda sad it isn't! But also glad to find out that there's something like this 🙂 Not everyone is able to take care of pets but would love to have some. This is a great idea. Thank you for sharing 🙂
What a cute toy! This would definitely make a good companion. I just know someone who needs this.
I really understand how hard it is to care for a parent in this condition. My father-in-law needed a lot of assistance in his last years before he was taken by cancer. I know how much support his dog and bird brought him over that time and cant imagine what his life would have been like without them. It is wonderful that Hasbro has created something that is perfect for those with allergies or those who have no real way to care for a real animal.
I never heard of anything like this before. I am sure with Hasbro, it will be super effective - they have great products and this one (much like their others) is super adorable.
What a great gift. Animals are definitely a source of relaxation and feeling good, and this is a great alternative to a real animal. This is a nice stuffed animal! My friend got his wife a stuffed dog when they were ready to get a real dog but she wasn't able to get the puppy she had chosen - this would have been perfect for them! I like the size - it gives you something nice to hold on to!
I think that it is lovely that your father in law can now have some comfort and joy in his life. So sorry to hear about your mum too, may her soul rest in peace xx
My kids will surely love it! It's really cute and fun! This would be perfect to my kids.
This is cute and sounds like a good idea. Being a dog person, I'm not sure they could really replace the love of a real dog.
this is such a wonderful idea! There's something about animals that soothes for sure. I remember having a super aggressive cat when i was a teen but she was still my cat and when I was being bullied at school I always used to like to sit and cuddle her when I was home, it seemed to make me feel less alone and more happy. Lovely post!
Ellie
http://www.scotchandstilettos.com
Wow - what a really smart solution! I love how this can still offer that love and comfort. Really love this!
What a smart solution!! Would be a fun companion to have in a nursing home, plus no cleaning up after a a dog.
How wonderful!
Its always hard to watch your loved ones when they are dealing with a sickness. My grandmother had dementia and it has hard to try to tell her what to do. I never heard of the comfort retriever, but I am going to have to learn more about it.
That's a great alternative to pets. You really can't deny how awesome technology is! This will definitely help a lot of people in need.