MURFREESBORO, TN - On Tuesday, WGNS learned how robotic animals are creating moments of joy and comfort for elderly residents that live right here in Murfreesboro. A mother-and-daughter team from Evelyn’s Blessings, an Indiana-based non-profit, made the trip to Middle Tennessee to distribute about 150 life-like robotic cats and dogs to residents at AdamsPlace... Jennifer Hill explained what they do during visits to nursing homes and similar healthcare related facilities...

The project all started after Jennifer’s daughter, Evelyn, saw an older woman at her grandfather’s nursing home lovingly holding a baby doll. That moment inspired them to create Evelyn’s Blessings, which now provides therapy babies, cats, dogs, and even small robotic birds to people in long-term care facilities...

As the residents made their way to a large table filled with the animals, Jennifer would kneel next to their wheelchair and remind them that each new pet mimics the sound and movements of real dogs and cats. She told WGNS the cats purr while the dogs give an occasional, but quiet bark… The AdamsPlace residents could be seen hugging, petting, and even chatting with their new furry friends earlier this week after Jennifer and daughter Evelyn, handed them out.

One woman, just shy of her 100th birthday, hugged her new pooch with a joyful smile after thoughtfully choosing between the dog, a small puppy, and a softly purring cat.

According to their website, EvelynsBlessings.com, all of these lifelike pets are funded entirely by private donations.

The mother and daughter were clearly touched by the heartfelt reactions of the elderly residents as they received their new companions. During this most recent visit, even the healthcare workers paused to witness the tender, almost magical moments—moments that brought visible comfort and joy to several wheelchair-bound individuals. As each robotic animal was handed out, a little more warmth and happiness filled the room, one gentle gesture at a time.

At the heart of it all is Evelyn — the bright, spirited young lady behind Evelyn’s Blessings (Scroll down for photo). The now 10-year-old began this journey at age 9, when she saw just how much comfort a baby doll brought to a resident in a long-term care facility. Inspired by that simple, powerful moment, Evelyn and her family created a non-profit to share more therapy babies and animal companions with residents who need them most. Thanks to the love and support of their caring community, Evelyn’s Blessings continues to bring comfort, smiles, and a sense of companionship to so many. With her big heart and boundless energy, Evelyn is making the world a little brighter — one special friend at a time.

Visit the organization on FaceBook by clicking HERE.