Cats and dogs bring joy to thousands, and now the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Trust is using "life-like, breathing, huggable" robotic animals to soothe patients with severe dementia.
The illness might make it harder for someone to look after a pet, but the pretend versions are now being used on the wards to make life less scary for hospital patients with severe dementia.
Created by the firm Precious Petzzz, the furry friends come in a number of designs - including a Jack Russell, Pug, Labrador, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Poodle and a Yorkshire Terrier in addition to a variety of cats.
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Melanie Johnson, the hospital trust's director of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals said: "Spending time in hospital can be particularly daunting for our patients with dementia and sometimes having something familiar can bring them great comfort.
"Our sensory toy cats and dogs have already made a big impact on our patients and staff. In fact one patient commented that the dog reminded her of a late pet and made her happy."
The cuddly pets "have bellies which move up and down to mimic breathing" and patients have been able to stroke them, and - as they are single-use because of Covid-19 - take them home with a special adoption certificate.
The aids have been endorsed by the Alzheimer’s Society and introduced in accordance with Dementia UK guidance.
The Trust is even asking patients and staff to help come up with names for the pretend animals - one has already been called Meg in memory of the late pet of one of the hospital matrons.
