DogProductReview - Nintendogs

Far be it from me to flog game technology like Nintendo DS (for double screen) but shortly after we acquired our real Shih Tzu, Unca Mike provided us with a virtual one! Nintendogs is a splendid game for kids and adults alike who want to get a feel for what it is to look after a dog. Check out this excellent Nintendogs demo.

An excellent summary of the program has been posted here: Nintendogs on Wikipedia.
Nintendo's own Nintendogs site is pretty lame really. Nice enough to look at but without substance. What is it with corporations anyway? There is so much they could be doing, like sponsoring real folks who love the program, ha ha, as if ;)

Anyway, talk about realism...Wired's Nintendogs review notes:
"Nintendogs uses the DS' internal clock to keep track of the real-world time and how many days have passed. So you'll have to check in on your puppy every day, making sure it gets food, water and exercise. If you forget to do this, you might turn the game on to find a dirty, flea-ridden, hungry, sullen dog waiting for you. Or not: Severely neglected pooches can run away. If you know you're going to be away for a while, the dog can be checked into a puppy hotel where it will be fed and cared for in your absence."

Should be mandatory for dog owners everywhere, included in the price of your puppy.
Like real puppies, parents beware, you will be firing up the DS to make sure your virual puppy doesn't run away.