In today's computer world, the adjective "virtual" pops up all over. Virtual tours, virtual museums, virtual rides. Virtual generally means an artificial environment that mimics the real world through the use of technology. Now the virtual world meets the average computer user in two wonderful computer software programs, both in their fourth incarnation: Dogz 4 and Catz 4.
Yes, technically these animals are artificial life forms, but you won't think of them as computer simulations once you join the ranks of the two million Catz and Dogz owners. These little Petz are intelligent, expressive, and full of personality; virtual Petz at their best.
Start out by adopting a pet. Then pet it, feed it, discipline it, play with it, and reward it; just like a real pet. The Petz play and romp around your desktop while you provide the little critters virtual food and love. You can have multiple Petz frolicking on your monitor at one time and even napping in the corner of your screen. Puppies and kittens actually grow up right in front of your eyes and, unlike some other virtual Petz, they never die.
The latest versions in this series, Dogz 4 and Catz 4, are sold separately but can be installed together. So depending on which program you like best, choose either a Dogz or Catz from a selection list of 10 breeds, each with a different personality. (The Dogz program even has a pet pig that you can adopt!)
I spent some time enjoying the Dogz program. Of the various breeds, each little puppy is unique and very much like their real Dogz cousins. First, you check out the available Dogz, then you adopt your pet. Every Petz adoption requires the signing of an Adoption Pledge warning that if neglected or abused, your Dogz will run away.
My heart was captured by a sweet sheep puppy I named Montana. The program equips you with all the tools needed to have fun with your puppy. Montana loves the Tasty Treatz as a reward for learning tricks. All I have to do is wave little Beefy Treatz, and he performs. Double clicking anywhere on the screen will call him to the curser. A well-deserved stroke is easy to give. I pet Montana by clicking and holding the left button. Sheep dogs are a playful breed, and occasionally Montana needs just a little discipline. The spray bottle is successful in keeping a naughty puppy in line. To squirt, you just single click your mouse.
Dogz 4 introduces additional environments for your puppy. The winter snow scene is a fun place where you can go 
sledding or play with him in the snow. Put reindeer antlers on your pooch, and Santa may need to borrow him for a Christmas Eve ride. Dogz 4 has several other great environments. Montana's favorite play area is the Arabian Palace with the snake charmer and magic lamp. At home Montana enjoys playing in the kitchen or the backyard. For more adventure we can travel to the Big Top in the European Circus Scene, explore the spooky Wild West ghost town with "Petz Wanted" posters in the saloon, or discover a pirate treasure on a South Seas Island.
When playing with your pet at any of the Play Scenes, there are special toys; each Play Scene comes with its own toyz. At the toy closet, click and hold down the toy. You can then take it down and move it around by moving your mouse. Grab the camera from the suitcase to take a photo when you think your pet is especially cute.
The virtual play areas are very clever. In the kitchen, the refrigerator door opens revealing milk, food, and cheese. The water turns on at the tap, and the windows and cabinet doors open just by clicking your mouse. Cleaning up the toys Montana and I used is a breeze; just click Options and then select Cleanup Area in the drop-down menu. When it is time to go, I click and hold down the right mouse to pick up Montana and move him to the red doorsteps of the Adoption Center where he promptly goes inside.
Another appealing feature of Dogz 4 and Catz 4 is the voice recognition program, which allows you to interact with your pet. This feature requires a microphone and a Soundblaster or compatible 16-bit sound card; it is slightly complicated to install. But once you take the time to get it up and running, you can give your dogz short commands like "come," "eat," "sit," "rollover," etc.
Any kid would love Catz 4 and Dogz 4. This program is targeted for ages 6 and up. I must confess that this "and up" person enjoyed the program as much as any kid. My vote goes for Montana and this endearing Catz 4 and Dogz 4 program. I have to run, time to feed my puppy.
