What do you think of the new craze of robotic pets.

I can see the advantages

• No food bills
• No vet bills
• No hassle finding pet sitters
• No need to go out exercising

which is better than having people who think they want a pet only to find out that they don't like the responsibilities of owning - and the pet suffers.

However, what about the down side.

• Children aren't to respect animals.
  
• They aren't taught about the responsibilities of caring for another life.
  
• They don't get the emotional connection of a pet.

Does the good out-weigh the bad?