Romeo's Joy is a Sisters community project providing animatronic pets to those at risk of social isolation and/or living with a disability.
Research suggests that pet therapy can positively impact the quality of life for older adults particularly for those living alone or in long-term care facilities. However, some older adults may not be able to care for a live pet due to cognitive or physical decline.
• older adults may not be able to care for and/or afford a live pet
• a live pet may result in a fall or injury to an older person
• older adults may have allergies to animals.
Romeo's Joy provides a pet therapy alternative by donating Joy For All Companion Pets to people in need.
Designed with extensive input from older adults, Joy for All Pets react to the sound of voice and respond to touch creating a two-way interaction with purring, barking and chirping. Movements include head-turning, tail wagging, and paw licking. The pet bird can be perched on a walker and will remind older adults to use their walker.
In June 2024, members of the SMS Sunshine Club presented Romeo’s Joy animatronic pets to residents of The Lodge along with certificates of ownership.
ABOUT ROMEO’S JOY
This is a story about Romeo, an amazing Australian Labradoodle, and his human, Cheryl. Together they trained to become a certified pet therapy team. Romeo spread joy at children’s hospitals and care facilities for many years — proving the amazing therapy a dog can provide. At the height of the pandemic, Romeo and Cheryl retired and the family moved to Sisters, Oregon where Romeo explored forest trails and swam in clear lakes. Sadly in 2024, Romeo’s quality of life diminished so much that Cheryl knew it was time to say “good-bye” to a very special dog. In his memory, this non-profit community project was designed to continue sharing Romeo's joyful spirit.
You Can Sponsor a Pet!
Your donation to the Romeo’s Joy Action Team can provide a Sisters-area resident with an animatronic dog, cat or bird from Ageless Innovations free of charge. These award-winning companions are designed to improve the quality of life for aging loved ones, their families and caregivers.
