
There's a new breed of virtual pet that is surprisingly life-like.
But these computer applications are more than a game. They'll also be used to promote responsible pet ownership, safety, and heath.
FooPets, is a 3-D virtual pet that's similar to those seen on Myspace and Facebook.
Other cartoon virtual pets make simple movements and they aren't very realistic.
But FooPets, billed as "the world's most realistic virtual puppies and kittens," may just live up to the hype.
The lineup features a golden lab puppy that wags its tail, grabs a metal dog dish in its mouth and runs excitedly in a circle when food is poured in the dish.
There are also kittens that purr, stretch and meow.
FooPets stresses responsible pet ownership by requiring flea treatments, immunizations, and scheduled medications.
The FooPets maker, FooMojo, is partnering with the ASPCA and The Humane Society of the United States. There will be some incentives to make donations to these groups, but the FooPets are free.
The new application will be available soon and can be seen at foopets.com.