If I still can’t have a Labrador retriever, this will have to do. Nintendo just released a new video game/ simulation where the player takes care of a pet puppy. Sounds straightforward enough (Tamagotchi anyone?). But the real enjoyment comes from the interaction you take with man’s “digital best friend” in the form of voice commands. You can give you dog a name, call it by name, and on cue, it will “roll over” “lie down” and “sit.” Very clever and fun.

I’ve never interacted with software quite like I have with Nintendogs. The creators of Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong, and Zelda really make the game come “alive” and it is a pleasure to play.

Now if I can only get that real dog… Honey?….