Is it real or is it Meow-morex?
Dyann Espinosa
Special to FineLife Home
Photos submitted
Researchers at the Center for Disease Control have found that pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels and alleviate feelings of loneliness for many people. Now, scientists at Purdue University’s veterinary school have also discovered that robo-pets can be as good at providing companionship as live ones. When researchers gave one group of children and teenagers a robotic pet and another group real pets, 70 percent of the robotic pet group said that it was a good companion. The researchers also provided robotic pets to a group of senior citizens and found that they were less depressed and lonely after playing with them.
People with allergies to animals or who live in places that do not allow pets may find that electronic pets are an option to the corporeal version, and don’t require a pet sitter, expensive dog foods or regular walks in inclement weather –– and the only residue they leave are AA batteries.
A lover, not a mouser
Segatoys Yume Neko
“Dream Cat Smile” Robot
The Yume Neko Smile robo-cat has five sensors in her body, each of which reacts to touch. She blinks, moves her mouth and neck, rears up and lies down, while purring and meowing. But squeeze her tail and you’ll get a hiss. Left to her own devices, she’ll fall asleep, briefly snoring before settling down. Dream Cat Smile is a robot that imitates a real cat so, typically, it won’t do everything you want it to. Price: $149.99
www.audiocubes.com
Animal planet
Webkinz and Lil’ Kinz
The online version of the Beanie Baby, WebKinz plush toys come with a code that allows users to register their pet online and take it for “walkies” in a virtual world. Set up for children six to thirteen years old, the site is a cartoony place, chock full of games, arcades, contests and other activities and designed “to teach children about responsibility, caring for a pet, and getting along with others.” There are hundreds of different versions of the stuffed animals and scads of accessories that owners are encouraged to purchase. Price: Lil’ Kinz $9, Webkinz $13
The Toy Shop
201 W. Napa St.
Hollyhock
($9.95/$13.95) 201 W. Napa St.
McCalulou’s Kids
($9.95/$13.95) 201 W. Napa St.
Puppy play
FurReal Friends
Puppies love to play, and this electronic baby Schnauzer is always ready for a tug of war. The plush pooch has soft fur and responds to petting by kneading its paws and making puppy sounds. Get it excited and it will growl and bark, and when it’s tired, it snores as it goes to sleep. For children four and up, though it has found its way into adults’ laps as a welcome companion. Comes with adoption certificate and three AA batteries. Price: 19.99
www.amazon.com
www.hasbrotoyshop.com
Let sleeping dogs lie
Perfect Petzzz
The Perfect Petzzz Cavalier King Charles is said to be modeled after Petsugar’s Puppy of the Year, Amanda Byrnes’ Cav puppy Charlie. While Charlie chases paparazzi, his electronic doppelganger spends its days peacefully sleeping in a fuzzy bed, and its only motion is the lifelike breathing that can cause double takes from passersby. Comes with adoption certificate, pet bed, brush and one “D” battery. Available in other breeds and cat versions. Price: $29.99
The Toy Store
201 W. Napa St.
How big am I now?
Fisher-Price Puppy Grows
& Knows Your Name
A toy that “learns” and actually increases in size, this puppy works without being hooked up to a computer, but to utilize all of the features, connect it to your PC. The child (or adult) names their pet and inputs information about themselves. The puppy learns the owner’s name and birthday and sings songs using their name. It also asks to be petted, brushed and wants food and attention. When it has grown to its full height it will request to be measured. Then you can shrink it and start over again. Comes with bone, brush, tape measure, birth certificate and CD. Price: $50
www.fisher-price.com
