My extended family and I decided to adopt and deliver 16 Believable Babies and 12 Memorable Pets (with pet shop accessories), as our family Christmas giving project to our local Alzheimer's and Memory Care facility. It was the best Christmas ever! I raised about $2000 for the adoptions and I worked with Bettina at Memorable Pets to make it a reality. In the past we had given money to organizations, but this idea was one we could really participate in and show the love of Christ and Christmas. I was so pleased, I created a website called "Betty's Babies" in memory of my grandmother who had Alzheimer's disease. Her name was Betty and she went to heaven in 2010. I know she would be very happy to see what we have accomplished! Also, our inspiring delivery video is on You Tube at (cut and paste into browser): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMMOCG8N3cY&t=41s . We will continue on with many more adoption deliveries for those with dementia. To visit our site go to : www.bettysbabiesforalz.com . We are in process of becoming a 501c3 organization.

I'm so very excited to receive Paisley. She will be my first reborn doll .. I really wish I had known about this before, my grandmother died with Alzheimer's 2 years ago and I was her caretaker. currently my stepdad has Alzheimer's and my mom is his caretaker...she's really having a hard time. Anyway I just wanted to say thank you for all y'all do and I'm so excited to see my Paisley ❤️ Tara .......................................................................................................................................................... I just wanted to thank you for Paisley. I love her so much. She is amazing! I love dressing her. I love her, her little face looks so inquisitive and so happy. Happy New Year and thank you so much. Tara

It was Christmas Eve 2016, and I was in desperate need of a Madame Alexander "Babble Baby" for my daughter. Our family was planning to go on a trip and that was going to be it... no presents, just our wonderful trip. Unfortunately, we had to cancel the trip at the last minute because of some extended family issues. My husband and I had to pull together Christmas for our two children at the last minute. I had searched everywhere for this doll with no luck... everyone was out of them. I reached out to Bettina at Believable Babies because she was located in our state of Kentucky. She happen to have one left and agreed to sell it to me! My husband and I drove to meet Bettina at a restaurant, where she and her family were having dinner. She was going to bring the doll and we would bring the cash. It took us about 45 minutes to get to the restaurant. We met, made the exchange and wished each other a Merry Christmas! My daughter was so happy the next morning. She had been wanting this kind of baby doll for a long time. I am grateful for Bettina going out of her way on Christmas eve to help us. Kristen

"I just received the baby...She is amazing! We loved! Thank you so much!" Etieli

Thank you so much! The baby doll "Beth" was even more than I ever expected, and my 89 year old mother immediately fell in love with her! I cannot thank enough. I will continue to refer you to everyone, as I work at a hospital on a neurological floor, and my mother is in a dementia unit. Sincerely, Beth (the real daughter)

Hi Bettina, Yes, the Pet Shop arrived in time for Christmas at dad's care facility Garden House! Thank you so much for sending it out so quickly. Everyone was so happy! There were several family members of residents at the party. They all loved the pets too! Here is a link to a video my step mother took at the party. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=b0_9jMhRVrs The man at the end of the video is my Dad. He doesn't have a pet in the video, but got to hold several pets afterward. There was one resident who wouldn't let a kitty go because it looked like her cat. She carried it off to her room and wanted to keep it there.

I purchased a Cocker Spaniel for my parents who moved to Assisted Living due to dementia. They were both missing their little dog Dudley since he was not able to come with them to the facility. When I first brought him in, my Dad immediately took to the little guy. Despite fairly complete expressive aphasia, Dad would immediately perk up and say 'Dudley!' clear as ever, each time we brought him out. Dad loves to pet and talk to Dudley in his own way. The little dog has been a great comfort to my Dad. And as dementia progresses and changes Dudley has become an ever present aid in redirection and comfort to my struggling father. Initially Mom thought Dudley was pretty cute, but was not engaged with him like Dad. As time has progressed Mom has become more and more attached to Dudley too. And now the 'back up' Dudley has become her Dudley. Both sporting real collars and ID tags that proudly proclaim who the owner is. Both my parents have benefited immensely from the presence of their little fuzz ball in their lives. Each of them talk to Dudley, cuddle him, care for him, and have a great desire to have him around all the time. And all my parent's companions are well aware that Dudley had best be kept handy if there is to be peace in the kingdom. Good thing he's so very well behaved! Thank you to Memorable Pets for offering such a simple way to help both my parents in such a concrete way. I can't imagine their lives without little Dudley in them.

I've ordered multiple pets - cats and dogs, as well as babies and I'm always pleased by the service and quality. Makes me look good when we make these special deliveries. So appreciated by all who receive, especially the caregivers.

Bettina, I just wanted to update you about my sweet mom and the special baby doll I purchased from you. Sadly dementia took my mom on Dec. 11th. But from the time we received the little baby doll until then, she loved that baby, hugged it and kept it with her. She loved wrapping it in a towel and hugging the baby to keep it close to her heart. She named it Susan, which is my name. Out of all the items I purchased to try to comfort Mom (little fidget toys, photos, special soft blankets) the baby meant the most to her. I want to thank you again for your kindness and the good work you do. Sue

Here are some photos of a sweet little lady I look after with her Memorable Pet! Rachael

"thank you soo much for creating my very first reborn she beautiful :D will be coming back!" very life like absolutely wonderful craftsmanship , fell in love with her the moment I was handed the box :) thx u sooo much! crystallynn

We celebrated Moms 93rd birthday over the weekend and I gave her one of the cats you designed. She absolutely loves it and have included a picture for you. Mom has a habit of picking at her skin, but having the cat on her lap, she pets the cat instead of skin picking! In fact, the cat is so realistic looking she thinks it is real and several times commented "What a good cat this is. He hasn't wanted to get off my lap all afternoon." Thank you for helping our dementia patients with your cute animals. Mary

Bettina, I am moving my Mom from her current assisted living apartment to a more supervised environment shortly after Christmas. I am hoping this kitty will help ease the transition. ............................................................................................................................................................ January- Mom loves her new "Kitty" companion! Thanks so much for what you do!!

I contacted Believable Babies on December 23, 2016. My daughter, Reese (age 8), was wanting and expecting a Reborn Baby Doll for Christmas. We had purchased from another artist and had not received the doll yet... Christmas was almost here! They were not returning my phone calls, so I became desperate to find another quality Reborn Doll quickly. I reached out to Bettina with Believable Babies and she graciously sold me her sample Reborn Baby Doll called "Gracie". My daughter wanted a boy so Bettina had her dressed as a boy (they are all unisex) and got her in the mail to me that same day! The doll arrived on Christmas Eve and I was thrilled with the beauty and quality of the baby. I knew my daughter would be so happy. Christmas morning arrived and Reese was thrilled! Thank you Bettina and Believable Babies for going over and beyond all my expectations. It was a Christmas miracle! Rebecca, Covington TN.

My grandmother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, had become very attached to a cat that passed away last year. We were concerned about how she would deal with not having him anymore, as the two were never apart in the house. I found the "Memorable Pets" website, where I chose a really cute striped kitty to send to her. From the moment she received (and named) "Kari," the two were. Inseparable. Grammy kept her kitty on her lap, slept with her kitty on the bed, and informed her kitty every time she was getting up to do something or leaving the house. After Grammy passed in January, I got custody of "Kari" and I can honestly say I have never seen a more used/loved stuffed animal in my life. The family is amazed and grateful that Memorable Pets was there to help provide what became an important friend for Grammy's last year with us. I have since shared the website with others who have family members with similar circumstances.

Joanne didn’t smile much. In fact, I had not seen her really smile about anything at all. She spoke to others, but sparingly, even though it seemed like she wanted attention. Often, Joanne would call out for help to passing caregivers, but as they arrived at her side, she would not tell them what was wrong. I had had a lot of success with baby dolls in the past, especially with residents who called out for attention. One resident in particular had really taken to the baby dolls, and no longer cried out for assistance. Instead, she gave all of her energy and time to taking care of the baby dolls, which made her feel useful. We tried this with Joanne. “Can you take this baby back?” she asked, after holding it for only a minute, clearly bored with the baby. After looking into her history, we realized that Joanne had never had children. Instead, she had devoted her life to caring for dogs. When our shipment of pets arrived from Memorable Pets, I was ready to try something new with this resident. She sat, eyes closed, looking melancholy, and being assisted with eating by a resident caregiver. Even though her eyes were closed, Joanne opened her mouth, accepting each bite of food. “Joanne,” I said, touching her shoulder gently. She opened her eyes and saw me holding the sweet-looking stuffed dog. Her eyes opened wider and a smile—unlike one I had ever seen—moved across her face. She stared at the dog, the smile growing wider, as she reached for it. Rachael; dementia-by-day.com

Just wanted to show you how happy this dog made one of my residents! She started crying out and I looked over- she had dropped him, I picked him up and put him in her arms. This is her face! Rachael

My mother passed away this July, 2016. She had Alzheimer's and was 2 weeks shy of here 95th birthday. I had purchased the Calico Cat and the Golden Retriever for her; my sister got her another cat as well from your website. I have to tell you how important those pets were to Mom. She carried them everywhere in her wheelchair with her; she slept with them; she kissed and hugged and petted them! She called them her "kids." Staff made sure she had them with her and other patients thought she was so "cute" with them. Even on her death bed, she held them and kissed them. So we made sure that Mom would never be without her Calico cat; she was placed in the casket with Mom and will keep her company for an eternity. Thank you SO much for these wonderful pets. They are so realistic ; Mom believed them to be alive and this gave her both great comfort and constant companionship. She once told me how well behaved they were and how they were no trouble at all! And when they got dirty, staff just threw them into the washer and dryer... I was hesitant but it didn't hurt them and they came out wonderfully clean, soft and fluffy. I would be glad to visit with anyone who wants to know about the quality of these animals!!! From the bottom of my heart, I thank you! Donna

Hi Bettina, I just received our adorable little husky from Memorable Pets, and I am so thrilled! Thank you so much for sending him to my organization. I’m sure he will bring tons of joy to one or more of our patients who have dementia. I will keep you updated on our little husky’s success at Hospice of Michigan. Thanks again for sending our little guy!

​Hi Bettina, I work in the advanced Alzheimer's group in an Easter Seals adult daycare. We have around 30 participants. We keep them very busy with exercise, memory stimulation, music, etc. Being advanced as some of them are, they enjoy comforting objects such as babies, animals, etc. It makes such a difference to them to have something like that to hold and reminisce. I love watching them have moments that help them feel a part of the world, not just a lost soul whose world is disappearing. It is a great place to work. This is bringing a lot of enjoyment to many people. Sincerely, Corinne Rhoades Program Specialist-Atrium/Daybreak Easter Seals Adult Day Program

My Grandmother was moved into a nursing home after breaking her hip, which left her unable to live alone anymore. She left behind her two beloved cats. Her dementia, coupled with the trying transition, difficulty making sentences, and other after effects of hip surgery, had her extremely depressed. She was unable to cope with her emotions, she had frequent episodes of crying; the light in her eyes was extinguished. One of the greatest things we ever did for her was to buy her a memorable pet. She absolutely loves her two new furry friends; the light is back. Whenever she is having a bad day, putting her cats in her lap instantly changes her mood; the tears almost immediately disappear. The cats have allowed her to better deal with her transition. They allow her to have something to hold, pet, and to love. Having something to take her mind off her situation has even appeared to help her speech. I would implore anyone who has an elderly loved one, that lives somewhere that they can not have real pets or are unable to take care of a real pet, to definitely buy a memorable pet. The impact that these items can have on ones life is truly something special.

Bettina, Mom will only carry and attach to the dog we order from you. She is in year 5 of the dementia floor and carries this dog all day everyday and is hysterical if separated from it. As you can imagine, it gets fed and messed up daily so we rotate them out of her arms to the bathroom for a few seconds to be "washed" and replaced instantly with a clean one and take the rest home to wash in the machine which when washed and dried they come out beautifully new. However there is a point which we need to reorder 5 more and I was worried you wouldn't have the same one so relieved to find it. Please don't discontinue without telling me as I will buy a lifetime supply. This dog is her only source of constant comfort for some reason and it has changed everyone's life...nurses, family, friends and most of all mom!! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for creating these pets. We went through a fair number of alternates, even a cat, before finding your site and her childhood family Cocker Spaniel. All the best, Susanne, (her daughter) ........................................................................................................................................................ Hi Bettina, I found more pictures over the span of a few years all with her dog. Dog attended art class and a visit with moms sister who she did not recognize any longer and in her room at Haro Park Care Center in Vancouver BC. One picture shows her with your Calico cat and of course the Cocker Spaniel dog! These were happier moments but she has not been able to speak in years and now no longer recognizes us but she still loves her dog. Comfort peace and loving kindness is our goal. Thanks, Susanne

Hi Bettina, I have to say a huge thank you for my Reborn doll. She was delivered to work and the whole office was over looking at her, some thought she was a real baby! She smells divine also. My daughter, Libby is going to love her, I will send you a pic after Christmas. Thanks again, Julie ........................................................................................................................................................ Hi Bettina, Libby was absolutely in love with her doll yesterday morning, she hasn't put her down! She took her to the shops today to buy new clothes from her Christmas money :) She has named her Lily. Thanks again for making her so quickly. Julie

Oh my goodness! She is so beautiful! I have tears! Our daughter, Lenora is so so happy! She named her Avery and absolutely loves her! Lenora is over the moon!! Thank you so much for your time and effort to get her out so quickly. I really appreciate it, and of course I will leave a fabulous review

Bettina, Thank you so much! My Mom loves her doll. She has named her Mary Louise. I gave it to her last Friday and I don't think she has put her down since! She holds her and pats her like a real baby. I haven't seen my Mom this happy in quite some time. Appreciate you guys so much! Angie

Bettina, You are a flippin' GENIUS!!!!! First one is her petting and talking to the cat, second one is her eating your pot pie, and she wouldn’t let go of the cat. Daphne

Dear Bettina, Thank you thank you thank you. I love what you do. My Dad at 93 suffered from mild dementia -- and was in three different facilities and many hospital stays before he passed. I was blessed to be able to care for him -- and every day on the way to visit him, I would rack my brain to try another toy, ball, game, something to communicate with him, make him happy..... And rarely did something click. Had I known about Memorable Pets -- he would have had many of them ;) Now my Mom is 93, in a very wonderful retirement center with around the clock care -- yet she is frequently scared and anxious --- even tho she has a private nurse and plenty of doctor care. I am in California and she is in Florida -- so it is hard for me to be so far away and especially on the holidays. I am so looking forward to her getting her calico cat -- for Christmas. And when you get back from the Holidays -- I will order another one for me. Here's why -- I send her videos via text every day and her private nurse shows them to her on her iPad.... So it seems like we are not so far away. ;) I will be having my memorable pet talk to her and her memorable pet via video! Just need to pick mine. Merry Christmas and God bless you for doing what you do. Nancy .......................................................................................................................................................... January- Mom was talking to her kitty the other day, and saying, while stroking it.... "Are you in pain? I hope you are not in pain, because you have to take care of all the ladies here. I'm in pain, and its really bad ... I hope you are never in pain like this ......" Fairly amazing. Nancy

This was a Christmas present for my mother who was diagnosed with dementia two years ago. I had the idea as I found her talking to two old teddy bears of my brother's when I last visited. My father didn't think mum would take to the cat, but from the minute it came out of the packet she took to it. It comes everywhere with her, she talks to it, she tells me endless stories of what it does and its behaviours, and it makes her very happy. I have just recommended it to a friend whose mother also has dementia. Thank you for such a great idea.