RYEDALE Lions Club have presented a dementia charity with three robotic dogs.

Dementia Forward supports people living with dementia and their families across York and North Yorkshire.

The charity had originally intended to provide robotic dogs and cats as a temporary service during the pandemic to comfort and occupy people while they were at home.

However, the robotic pets were so popular that there was an ongoing demand for them.

People are also now able to keep the pets for a donation.

Sue Fergusson, one of the charity’s dementia support advisors for the Ryedale area, said: “One carer told us how her mum, Joan, had always loved dogs, so I took one to introduce to her. Joan took to him straight away stroking him, engaging with him, laughing and smiling.

“She even named her dog, and it helped her to become more settled as she was happy to stay at home to care for him.

“Joan has since moved into a care home and the dog has gone with her as a companion.”

President of Ryedale Lions, Frank Hayward, said: “We are delighted to be able to further support this initiative which brings a range of benefits to dementia suffers and their families.”

For further information on the robotic pets, please call the Dementia Forward Helpline on 03300 578592.

More information about the Ryedale Lions can be found on their website: www.ryedalelions.org