When we were asked if we'd like to welcome a Benji My Best Friend into The Madhouse, I knew that the kids would be over the moon. However, I did think that the claims that he was just like a real puppy but without the mess would be a bit far-fetched and exaggerated. Well, when the AniMagic toy arrived, I did have to admit that he does look very realistic. In fact, I was a bit worried that Vicky and Didou, our two real-life mini Maltese dogs, would attack it because they would think he was a real dog and rival !
We have had interactive dog toys here at The Madhouse before – in fact we once had one that walked along, cocked its leg and weed up the wall, which the girls thought was hysterically funny (as did I, the first couple of times, then the novelty wore off !).
Well, Benji is a lovely well-behaved dog, who will offer you many of the best bits of having a real puppy without any of the hassle or mess. The grown-ups were very impressed at the technology that has gone into creating such an “intelligent” toy. The kids were just over-the-moon at how cute he is and how well he interacts with them.
As you'd imagine from a toy dog, he barks and wags his tail and if you tickle him under the chin, he moves his head and wiggles his ears. But even without you stroking him, Benji automatically detects when you are in the room and reacts to your presence by barking and sitting up. You can also play tug-of-war with him by pulling on the rope in his mouth which makes him growl, which always makes Pierre giggle ! When you've totally worn him out with all that playing, he lays down and starts snoring which, again, had the kids in fits of giggles !
Whatever you do though, don't forget the batteries ! You'll need 4 x C batteries which are not included so if you don't stock up in advance, you'll have extremely disappointed kids to deal with until you can get to the shops !
star rating : 5/5
for more information : http://www.benjimybestfriend.co.uk/
RRP : £69.99
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My westie would either A. treat this as her baby or B. attack it immediately. Realistic toys like this freak me out a little. Nothing to beat a real canine friend!
ReplyDeleteWow, my boys would love this, we are currently in the process of looking for a dog but maybe we should have this instead, lol
ReplyDeleteLOL If you can get away with it, it's definitely easier to look after, not to mention cleaner !
ReplyDeleteOur dogs have got used to it now but they went mental at first, especially when it growled at the kids to play tug of war !!
awwww he is fab! even i want one!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. A great substitute for my dog mad boy.
ReplyDelete@mumoffunkids