Electronic pets: Good or bad?

[Kalei]

Well I picked neutral because I don't think they can teach good ownership of a real pet, but I think they are great to just have fun with and play with and great for kids who are not allowed to have real pets.

At one time I was the Electronic pet Queen lol. I had over 20, and I still have around 15. I still love them so much and every once and awhile I even put one on and take care of it lol and I'm 20 years old. I've been addicted to them all my life, and I take good care of them too

I just think they are very fun and a great hobby for your extra time

[Catlady711]

Another scapegoat. Adults are responsible for bringing pets into the home, and are ultimately responsible for their care, not a 12 year old. I blame the ease at which pets can be produced and purchased.

I TOTALLY agree! I just cringe everytime someone comes in to our hospital with a puppy or kitten and say they got it for the 4 year old kid standing next to them. *shivers*

I'm not saying some kids are not responsible enough to take care of pets, some are but it's not at any specific age, it's based upon their past history of taking care of things on time and consistently, and the kid being old enough to actually take care of the animal properly. Otherwise I figure if the adult wants the pet ok, but don't get one 'just for the kids'.

[flipgirl]

I think there are a lot of people out there who should have electronic children as well..they'd do a lot better job!

Electronic pets are fine - I think the tamaguchis (sp?) are great in teaching kids responsibility.

However, it is sad to see all those animals stuck in shelters and no where to go. If I had the money and the time, I'd adopt them all! I think mixing breeds for the sake of money and the lack of commitment and research from people who get a dog for the wrong reasons like they think a dog is cute are why there are so many. I can't say I don't agree with mixed breeds as long as breeders are doing it for the sake of improving a breed. Bulldogs are really a mixed breed if you go long way into their history. Purebreds are suffering from a shrinking gene pool and there are also those breeders breeding purebreds with defective genes for money.

Having said that, it is great that there are shelters for these animals and wonderful people who take their time, money and love to care for them. Blaming electronic pets is just another way of escaping responsibility.