“Golden Pups” may help cut back on anxiety and depression among seniors. Courtesy photo

Americans are crazy about their canines, and now just in time for National Dog Week, Sept. 24-28, the elderly will experience puppy love with robotic dogs.

Research finds dogs lower blood pressure and cut back on anxiety and depression among seniors. But a four-legged friend can become messy, expensive and physically challenging because they require walks. They can even be dangerous if seniors trip over them.

That’s why, starting the last week of September, local caregivers are surprising seniors with a very special companion pet – robotic dogs called “Golden Pups” that bark, wag their tail, have a heart beat and cuddle – without any of the work or expense a real dog requires.

“We are surprising seniors with an extraordinary companion pet, that has many of the positive attributes of a real dog but without the responsibility,” explains Larry Meigs, CEO of Visiting Angels, the nation’s leading provider of in-home senior care, with caregivers in your area. “This life-like companion pet made by the folks at Joy For All will especially be helpful as a therapy tool for memory care patients. Visiting Angels caregivers work with dementia and Alzheimer’s patients across the country and these pups help calm them down and engage them when they are depressed or anxious.”

Visiting Angels began franchising in 1998 in Philadelphia, Pa. area. Today, Visiting Angels has 600 private duty agencies throughout the United States.

“Our caregivers are in the homes of local seniors for up to 12 hours at a time. It’s often part of their routine to create interactive activities for our seniors and the Golden Pup is a great addition to the services we are already providing daily,” Meigs says. “Our angels are in seniors’ homes to help them plan and prepare their meals, take medication, get to doctor appointments and run other errands, as well as provide simple companionship. They become like family and take the load off relatives who are working long hours and taking care of their own children.”

For more information on Visiting Angels, visit visitingangels.com.