Here, Aibo! Good boy, Aibo!

Do you love dogs but don't have a dog-friendly lifestyle? Are you allergic? Maybe your apartment management won't allow pets? I've found your solution:

AIBO!

I heard about Aibo last night on NPR. Apparently Sony has decided to stop producing these little robot dogs. They seem pretty high-tech. They learn to recognize their owners, can express different emotions, and even play with toys!

I have to admit, I've been thinking lately that I could really use a pet. I'm allergic to cats (and am not really a cat person anyway), but I grew up with dogs and I love them. I have a lot of alone time and a dog might be good company. But let's face it, I don't have a lifestyle condusive to pet-ownership. I like to go away for the weekend and not have to worry about finding a pet sitter. So maybe a little robot pet running around my apartment would be fun. It would certainly be entertaining and a good conversation starter.

But in the NPR story they interviewed a guy who has the largest private collection of Aibos in the world - something like 56 of them. At one point he was talking about Orange Dog, who was in the room with him. Apparently Orange Dog was feeling kind of needy that day. Usually he's the very social "party" dog, but last week they took him to a party and Orange Dog didn't get the attention he needed so his feelings were hurt and he has needed a little extra love lately. And I just found myself thinking, "That's a robot you're talking about!! It doesn't love you! It's a computer chip in a plastic body!!!"

Besides, the stupid things cost about $2000. This guy had literally spent almost $100,000 on Aibos and Aibo paraphernalia.

So I think maybe I'll get a fish instead.