They're much better for most of the people out there who THINK they want a real pet! Children who assume their parents will take care of the pet when they tire of it, corporate whores who sign up for biennial transfers, people who date/marry allergic people or animal haters, and the vast majority of pet owners who get a pet without giving any thought to the investment of time, money, and lifestyle they'd have to make to raise the pet ethically.
One in particular, Paro the robotic baby seal, has also proven an ideal companion for the frail elderly, who can't really take care of a pet but need a cute fix and a cuddle to cheer them up!
Love, Columbine
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