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Dementia Friendly Alabama and Alabama Department of Senior Services recently provided Alabama’s Area Agencies on Aging 20 companion pets for seniors with dementia in their counties.

Alabama Tombigbee Regional Commission’s Area Agency on Aging delivered a robotic cat to Selma resident Betty Jean Sanchez last month.

Jesus Sanchez took his wife Betty Jean to visit her sister in Houston County. He noticed how she loved the robotic pet her sister received from the South Alabama Regional Council on Aging.

The ATRC determined that Sanchez was qualified. The staff delivered the silver cat been named BJ.

“BJ has brought a lot of sweet company into our home and we are tickled to pieces to have him,” Jesus Sanchez said.

If anyone knows someone with Dementia or Alzheimer’s who would benefit from receiving a robotic pet, call 334-682-5206 to apply.  The pet is free, but eligibility must be established. Follow up questionnaires will be completed at 3 and 6 month intervals to assess effectiveness.