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THE GOOD LIFETHE GOOD LIFE

Mountain View News Saturday, August 8, 2026

SENIOR HAPPENINGS

OUT TO PASTOR 

A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder


HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …AUGUST Birthdays*

Nancy Beckham, Karlene Englert, Juanita Fernandez, Jeanette Francis, 
Joseph Kiss, Jacquie Pergola, Pat Miranda, Margaret Aroyan, Phyllis Burg, 
Beverly Clifton, Rosemary Morabito, Susan Poulsen, Joy Barry, Marcia 
Bent, Joan Spears, Ruth Torres, Jane Zamanzadeh. Helen Stapenhorst, 
Chandy Shair, Heidi Hartman, Erma Gutierrez, Margaret Switzer

*To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper at 626.355.2737. YEAR of
birth not required

IF I WERE A MILLIONAIRE

 I have never had an ambition 
to become a millionaire. I just 
never thought about it, and it 
never crossed my mind or my 
wallet.

 I've got many calls from these "Fake 
Publishing Houses" telling me I won a hundred 
million dollars, and all I have to do is pay a 
$2500 processing fee, and it's all mine. I used 
to tell them to take the fee out of my winnings, 
and we'd both be winners. Of course, how can 
you take something out of something that 
doesn't exist?

 There was a friend who won a million dollars. 
I lost track of him for a while, and then two 
years later I found out he was bankrupt. I don't 
know what his story was, but evidently he 
didn't know how to handle $1 million.

When my friend asked me what I would do if I 
had a million dollars, I really didn't know what 
to say. Later, I realized that dreaming about 
wealth is fun, but it's also hilarious how our 
minds invent these grand ideas that never quite 
match real life.

 I certainly wouldn't buy a new truck, or get a 
new house, or buy any fancy clothing. None of 
that stuff matters to me, but I did have an idea 
that bounced around in my head.

 If I were a millionaire, I would give The 
Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage enough 
money every week to do her thrift store 
hopping. She hops from one thrift store to 
another and then to another. She can spend 
the whole day hopping from thrift store to 
thrift store, especially with her daughters. They 
make a wonderful team when it comes to thrift 
stores. There isn't a thrift store within a 100-
mile radius that does not know The Gracious 
Mistress of the Parsonage by name.

 Now, while she is hopping from thrift store 
to thrift store, I would go and treat myself to a 
box of Apple Fritters. After all, if The Gracious 
Mistress of the Parsonage isn't home, then 
she can't see me eating an Apple Fritter and I 
don’t get into trouble. Oh, what a fun time that 
would be. And if I were a millionaire, that's one 
thing I would do.

 As I was thinking about this on my lazy chair 
with a nice hot cup of coffee The Gracious 
Mistress of the Parsonage happened to walk 
by. She noticed I was smiling a lot more than I 
usually smile.

 "So," she said, "what's making you smile so 
much this afternoon?"

 I didn't notice her come in, so I was a little 
surprised at this question. I just looked at her 
and said, "Oh, my dear, I was just thinking 
about a joke."

 "Yeah, and what joke were you thinking about?"

 Now I was backed into a corner. I thought 
for a moment and then replied, "I was thinking 
about the joke, why was six afraid of seven? 
Because seven eight nine."

Looking at me and shaking her head, she said, 
"Why do you tell yourself that joke 100 times a 
day and still laugh? We both know you weren't 
thinking of that joke."

 I looked at her and finally said, "I just 
was thinking of what I would do if I was a 
millionaire." She sat down on the couch, 
looking at me, and said, "And what would you 
do if you were a millionaire?"

 Now I was again backed into a corner.

With some hesitation, I said, "Well, the first 
thing I would do is to give you a large weekly 
allowance so you and the daughters could go 
hopping all of the thrift stores in the county." 
Then I giggled.

 "That sounds like a good idea," she said with 
a broad smile on her face. "But, what would 
you be doing while I'm out hopping the thrift 
stores?"

 Oh boy. I didn't think this through far enough, 
I guess. If I tell her what really was on my mind, 
I could be in a little bit of trouble. To try to 
think up an alternative is very risky business.

Not able to say anything right away The 
Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage said, "You 
would not be thinking of getting Apple Fritters 
while I'm away?"

" I never thought of that," I said very 
thoughtfully, "but that sounds like a very good 
idea." And then I laughed at her.

"Let me understand this," she said, "if you were 
a millionaire you would spend a large portion 
of your money on me hopping thrift stores and 
then on you buying Apple Fritters?"

 My smile quickly evaporated from my face.

Even if I were a millionaire, I could never get 
away with anything with The Gracious Mistress 
of the Parsonage.

 I have everything I want right now except 
for a box of Apple Fritters. So, if I were a 
millionaire, I would enjoy spending money in 
that direction. I don't understand why she can 
have what she wants, but I, on the other side of 
the marriage vow, can't have what I want?

 In further thinking, I was reminded of what 
the Bible says in Ecclesiastes 5:10, “He that 
loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; 
nor he that loveth abundance with increase: 
this is also vanity.”

 No matter how much money I might have, I 
will never be satisfied. My satisfaction is rooted 
in my relationship with Jesus Christ as my Lord 
and Saviour.


WHY IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY 
TO EXPLORE ASSISTED 
LIVING COMMUNITIES

Many families wait until a health crisis 
forces them to search for an assisted 
living community. Unfortunately, making 
an important decision during a stressful 
time often leads to unnecessary anxiety 
and fewer options. The best time to 
begin exploring assisted living is before it 
becomes an immediate need.

Visiting communities early allows seniors 
and their families to become familiar with the different lifestyles, services, and amenities 
available. Every community has its own personality, level of care, activities, and pricing. 
By taking the time to compare options, families can make thoughtful decisions instead 
of rushed ones.

Planning ahead also gives seniors a voice in choosing where they want to live. Rather 
than having others make decisions during an emergency, they can tour communities, 
meet staff and residents, enjoy a meal, and determine which environment feels most 
like home. This sense of control often makes the transition much easier when the time 
comes.

Another advantage of early planning is financial preparation. Understanding the costs 
of assisted living and available payment options can help families avoid surprises. It 
also provides time to organize important legal and financial documents before they are 
urgently needed.

Even if a move is still months or years away, building relationships with trusted senior 
living advisors and community staff can be invaluable. They can answer questions, 
explain care options, and provide guidance as needs change over time.

Exploring assisted living isn't about giving up independence—it's about planning 
for the future with confidence. Today's communities offer engaging activities, social 
opportunities, nutritious meals, housekeeping, transportation, and personalized care 
designed to help residents maintain the highest possible quality of life.

Starting the conversation early gives families peace of mind and allows everyone to 
make informed decisions with less stress. A little planning today can make a tremendous 
difference tomorrow.


ROBOTIC PETS 
CAN PROVIDE 
COMFORT 
TO ELDERLY 
SENIORS


Pet of the Week

 
If summer had a mascot, Rocco would be it! This 
5-year-old pittie is pure love and has his summer 
priorities perfectly sorted: splash in the pool, eat 
some snacks, get plenty of scratches, and lounge 
around with his favorite people.

 Rocco is a gentle, happy guy who knows how to 
sit and shake, loves a good treat, and will happily 
nudge you with his nose when you stop petting 
him before he’s ready. Now all he needs is a 
summer sidekick of his own. Come meet Rocco at 
Pasadena Humane and make this hot dog part of 
your summer plans!

And there’s no better time to adopt — now 
through August 9, adoption fees for dogs and cat 
6 months and older, like Rocco, are waived at 
Pasadena Humane as part of the Hot Dog & Cool 
Cat Summer adoption promotion.

 The adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog 
adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and 
age-appropriate vaccines.

 Walk-in adoptions are available every day from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. View photos of adoptable 
pets at pasadenahumane.org.

 New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal 
Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet.

 Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls 
or email.

Can a robotic pet help a loved one with dementia? 
Learn how these interactive companions can 
provide comfort, companionship and joy when 
real pets aren’t an option.

Dear Savvy Senior,

My mother, who has dementia, recently moved 
into an assisted living facility that doesn’t allow 
pets. I’m thinking about getting her a robotic 
pet to cheer her up. Are they worth it, and if so, 
which one do you recommend? –Inquiring 
Daughter

Dear Inquiring,

It’s completely natural to want to bring a little 
furry joy into your mom’s life. Moving into 
a new home without her pets can be tough, 
and sometimes even a small companion can 
make a big difference. Robotic pets – lifelike, 
interactive companions – can brighten the 
days of seniors with dementia in ways you 
might not expect. They’re more than just cute 
gadgets; they offer comfort, companionship, 
and a sense of purpose, along with plenty of 
smiles and fun. Before you pick one, here’s 
what you should know.

Why pets matter

Pets aren’t just cute – they’re family. They bring 
happiness, companionship, and even a gentle 
sense of routine. Studies have shown that pets 
can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, 
encourage light activity, and improve overall 
well-being. They can also provide a sense of 
connection, which can be especially grounding 
for seniors living with cognitive changes.

Unfortunately, many seniors, like your mom, 
have to give up pets when they move into 
care facilities or can no longer care for them 
on their own. That’s where robotic pets can 
step in. Many studies have shown that robotic 
companion animals can improve quality of life 
by offering comfort, interaction, and a sense of 
companionship.

Still, it’s important to remember that not all 
seniors connect with robotic pets. Some may 
ignore them completely, while others enjoy 
holding them or respond positively to a lifelike 
companion that reacts and even “talks back.”

Best options

If you’re looking for a high-tech option, 
Jennie, a new Labrador puppy from Tombot, 
is the most impressive option available. Soft, 
cuddly, and very lifelike, she reacts to touch 
and voice, moves naturally, and even barks 
on command. A smartphone app lets you 
name her, customize her behavior, and track 
interactions. She runs on a rechargeable 
battery and is expected to cost around $1,500, 
with financing available. Jennie is currently 
on back order, with new units expected this 
summer or fall, so interested buyers may need 
to join a waitlist.

If that’s more than you want to spend, Joy 
for All Companion Pets are a wonderful 
alternative. These cats and dogs cost $160 or 
$180 and respond to touch with purring or 
barking. They can move their heads, lift their 
paws, and open and close their eyes. With soft, 
brushable fur and a gentle “heartbeat,” they 
feel surprisingly real. They also give seniors a 
comforting routine, like stroking or “feeding” 
their pet, which can be both calming and 
engaging.

For seniors who use a walker, the Walker 
Squawker bird ($65), also available from Joy 
for All, attaches to the device and chirps when 
the walker stops moving. It responds to touch 
and sound, offering a playful companion and 
gentle encouragement to stay active. Small 
touches like this can make a big difference in 
lifting spirits and keeping seniors engaged.

Robotic pets aren’t a replacement for real 
animals, but they can bring companionship, 
comfort, and joy to seniors who can no longer 
have a furry friend. They are especially well-
suited for seniors with dementia, providing 
interaction, routine, and a sense of connection. 
Whether you choose a sophisticated option 
like Jennie or a more affordable Joy for All 
pet, these interactive companions can turn 
moments of loneliness into smiles, connection, 
and a little extra joy every day.


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com