In Isolating Times, Can Robo-Pets Provide Comfort?

Now activities and communal meals have vanished. Aside from one quick visit in the lobby, she has not seen her daughter in person in six months; they communicate through 15-minute video calls when staff members can arrange them. "She's more isolated in her room now," Dr. Spangler said. "And she misses having a dog." Knowing that her mother couldn't manage pet care, even if the residence had permitted animals, Dr. Spangler looked online for the robotic pets she had heard about.