Perhaps you’ve heard a lot of buzz of late about the newest toy phenomenon sweeping the nation. Of course, I’m talking in connection with Zhu Zhu Pets. Pronounced like “Zoo Zoo Pets” these are battery operated hamsters that run on wheels around hamster trail tracks that the owner sets up for them. The company is billing them as just like a real hamster, but without the mess.
Plainly, which’s a selling point meant to appeal to the folks of the target market, the children, because I do not really think that the kids themselves care a whole lot in connection with the mess which real hamsters, or any real pets, leave behind.
Zhu Zhu Pets look real enough, and yes they do scamper very cutely around the little habitrail tracks that are sold in parts, in a modular style, through the company. Still, what is the true purpose of a pet? It’s companionship. It’s interaction. It’s being able to hold the little animal up to your chin, to snuggle it against your cheek, to feel warmth and movement and a heartbeat. To see little eyes searching back at you with awareness when you search into them. This is what staves off loneliness, this is what provides companionship, this is what makes us love our pets, our real pets, and not just play with them.
In decision, Zhu Zhu Pets are quite decent for what they actually are – a cute toy which can provide hours of entertaining fun for a child with a good inventiveness. But just like a pet without the mess? Sorry. That hasn’t been invented yet.