Participants will receive a Hasbro Joy for All robotic pet. These are low cost (< $150), life-like cats and dogs that respond to human interaction by making sounds or turning their head for eye contact. The robot companion pets are designed as supports for older people with cognitive impairment. In this trial, the older person can treat it like a pet or ignore it. Family caregivers will report on engagement with the pet and effects on mood.

During the 6-8 week trial, this group will not receive the robot pet companion but will complete baseline and follow-up assessments on teh same schedule as the treatment arm. Participants in this arm will receive the robot pet after the trial.

The robot pets are stuffed animals (dogs and cats) that have features that make them seem lifelike. For example, the animal toys turn their heads when petted, purr or make puppy sounds, feel warm, have a heartbeat, and go to sleep when they are ignored. They respond to attention and petting like a real pet. The robot pets do not collect information and do not require any maintenance, except a battery. Engagement with the device is at the discretion of participants.

PROMIS Positive Affect Short Form 15a Scale: The PROMIS measures are normed for population probability samples, with raw scores transformed into T scores (mean 50, SD=10). The scale measures positive emotion (e.g., enjoyment, engagement, serenity).

PROMIS Emotional Distress and Anger Short Form Scale: The PROMIS measures are normed for population probability samples, with raw scores transformed into T scores (mean = 50, SD=10). The scale measures emotional distress (e.g., irritability, anger).

Adapted companion animal questionnaire, treatment arm. The scale measures daily involvement with a pet, such as the frequency of holding the animal, sleeping in the same room, feeling responsible for the animal). Scale scores range from 6-30.