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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I have been hearing about this a lot lately. I think it is a fantastic way to provide some comfort.
Aw this is such a great idea! This is perfect for kids with allergies too! My kids are allergic to so many different things, luckily not dogs. Their cousin is in love with our dog but can't be around her because he's allergic. This would be great for him!
While this is not necessarily the same thing my husband will be having back surgery soon and I'll be his caregiver during that time. I know it will be hard for us. I think it's great that stuffed animals can take the place of a pet an elderly person used to have but they don't have to have the responsibility of taking care of a live animal.
This is definitely a great idea! Also a great present for the holidays. definitely sharing with friends. Thanks!
My heart just melted into a puddle onto the floor. I just love everything about these comfort dogs! Taking for your parents is rough, but it is nice to give back to the ones who gave youlife. 🙂 These dogs are such a genius way to help make the situation easier. And much easier to care for than a real dog/pet!
This is an amazing idea! Someone got a comfort pet for their depression so I think this idea is needed (:
xoxo
Isaly Holland
This is such a lovely, heart warming post to read! It makes me so happy to see such joy brought to people's lives by this little retriever 🙂
These are such a great gift idea for the elderly. I think it's important for interaction and companionship for those who aren't able to care for a real pet.
Aww I love this post! It must be so lonely for the elderly and even more so those who are battling illnesses and this is such a brilliant way for them to get the companionship and comfort without having to care and provide for an actual pet, it make it so much easier for them. X
Oh this is awesome! Pets can be so helpful and comforting, our 1 year old loves our pups already and it's amazing to watch him calm down as soon as they enter the room.
That is such a cute product. I know my grandparents would just love this! I mean who wouldn't?! So great for them to interact like this.
I wish they had this around when my mom was still here. She too had Alzheimer's and loved animals. I think she always missed having a cat around when she went into a full time care center. Thankfully they did have animals, but they often did their own thing.
This is amazing and it's pretty accurate. I've had family members who suffered as well until they were presented with realistic dolls. It comforts them and for some reason, they're less agitated when they don't remember something.
This is such a wonderful post, it gave me all the feels! I find stuffed animals very therapeutic, and can make anyone's day! Even my dog loves stuffed animals hahah! Thanks for the post, really!
What an awesome idea to fill so many spaces! Bonus, no walks in the frigid winter air!
Very interesting! I have never seen these before, but I can imagine they are great for people with Alzheimers. I will share it with some people that I know have parents in these situations. Thank you!
What a sweet idea. Finding humans comfort at any age is so important. we're glad there are items like this to help out.
Wow! What an interesting concept, I'd love to learn more about it! I'm intrigued!
Aww this is so sweet! I love how happy it made them! What a great gift and a great idea. I love the idea of making anyone's life better and quality of life easier!
How amazing!! This made me so happy! I've never heard of these, but they are so sweet and such a great idea! Thank you for sharing this!
Animals are such an amazing part of our world and I'm glad that Hasbro is acknowledging that. I have seen so many dogs serve as wonderful companions and service dogs for those who need extra support and I think that the Comfort Golden Retriever is another great kind of resource for those who need it. The love of a sweet pup is definitely therapeutic.
These are so great we got this same Dog for my Grandfather who turned 100 this year and he loves is. It is a great way to give companionship to those who want a pet but don't want to or can't care for it.
My grandmother has alzheimers so I can relate to your sentiments regarding care. It's a terrible disease. We've seen the same joy in my grandmother from dolls. She spends time combing and braiding their hair. Truly a second childhood!
This is such a great idea. Also, that photos is absolutely priceless. You can tell that he really loves the comfort golden retriever. This is such a lovely idea for pet lovers who cannot have a real one.
I have not seen these before!!! What a great way to help to bring comfort and companionship to someone!
It looks absolutely gorgeous and I am so glad that it is helping him! 🙂
First, the photos are adorable. Second, I'm amazed how often this has come up lately. I was at a training this week that included lawyers and they brought it up.
This is such a great post! Dogs are such good companion and helps social integration.
What a sweet gift!! My grandmother had to live with my mom for a few years, and as much as my mom wanted to take care of her, it was round the clock, and very exhausting. My mom felt both guilty and responsible for her! She went through a lot of emotions those few years.
I had never heard of these before.. wow... cool!
This is a really interesting concept. I'm trying to wrap my mind around it and its benefits. I would love to see something like this in real life or learn more about it! As I said, very interesting concept...
Beautiful post! Dogs are the best friends of humans. They are best for the emotional support and makes life wonderful!
Such a wonderful idea and Comfort Golden Retriever would be a great gift for many! Our parents the elders needs a lot of love and care from us and they find a lot of comfort with kids & animals as make a huge impact in their life.
Wow. That's such an adorable one for your father-in-law. Completely agree with you on the companionship and emotional support that a pet can give!
perfect for those feeling lonely, this was such a great post
This is so cute! I know a few of my family members that could seriously benefit from these.
This is such a great thing for companionship. I love that they can help with the feeling of being alone.
I am so in love with this idea. Even people that just live alone could benefit from something like this.
This post just brought tears to my eyes. I am a nurse at a nursing home and so many of my patients have to leave their pets at home when they enter a nursing home. I wish I could get a comfort golden retriever for each of them.
oh this is awesome. my granny would have loved this when if she was still alive. she was moved to assisted living right before she passed and this would have been awesome for her
This is a great thing and it looks like it really is working for them. Very cool to see.
This is the first time i'm hearing about this comfort toy. I think it's awesome that there's an option to give this to seniors instead of giving them a real dog that they have to care for.
That's the sweetest post. I love the idea, it's perfect for those love pets but are not able to care for them.
This is the cutest thing ever. I highly respect the things people find joy in, no matter how different.
I love dogs and I am all for pet therapy. Golden Retrievers are awesome dogs! Great choice and well written piece.
Very true that pets can be a great comfort. They always love us no matter what! I'm glad you have found a solution to help your dad!
This is such a great idea and perfect for the feeling alone, Pets can be so helpful in many ways, Thanks for this interesting post
We have a cat and are not ready to have a dog anytime soon, but my kids want one so badly. I think this would be a great alternative for them, and now I have to look for one this is so great!
This is such a great idea! The hasbro pet looks so cute! Love it
What an awesome idea! Animals are such a comfort for so many reasons. This would be an awesome gift.