Before covid hit, I was visiting an elderly lady in an assisted living center and saw a cat curled up on a chair.

I started to say that I didn’t know cats were allowed, but then realized it was stuffed.

I have heard of people getting their dead pets stuffed which is a little weird.

But when I touched the critter it came to life!

It opened its eyes and voiced in purrfect feline-eze, “Meooow!”

Then it started purring when I scratched its ears.

The lady said her son got it for her and she had gotten very attached to it.

During her lonely hours of covid isolation, she said it kept her company.

Last week I was visiting another elderly lady living in a facility.

In the conversation, she mentioned something about Doc keeping her company.

I didn’t know who Doc was, but then she pointed him out on the bed.

There he was, a cute little golden puppydoll.

To switch on its battery, she had to get to a little pouch in its bottom.

She chuckled and said, “I feel like this is something I shouldn’t be doing!”

But then she set him on the chair next to me.

When Doc heard me talking he turned his head and started making little puppy noises.

Then he blinked his eyes and barked!

These interactive robotic cats and dogs are from the company Joyforall.com.

Their website says, “No vet bills, just love. Companion Pets are designed to bring comfort, companionship, and fun to elder loved ones.”

They list on Amazon for $129.99.

The testimonials for these animated creations speak well for the product:

Shelia H. said, “The robotic companion cat made a wonderful gift for my elderly mother. You could instantly see the connection she shared with her new friend.”

Robots cannot replace the living and breathing.

But just like a child’s teddy bear, comfort can come through imagination and a soft touch.

These robotic pets just don’t need as much imagination.

Next: Foster homes and orphanages

Dan Williams is the senior adult pastor at Lexington Baptist Church.