A funny story for you..
One day I was rushing to leave the house and I could NOT get our family dog Mac out from under the bed. I tried everything but he wouldn't budge. Because he was prone to dumpster diving he was not allowed to stay inside while we were gone unless it was raining. Out of time I called my dad to ask him what I should do. He told me to put the phone up to Mac's ear. I thought he was crazy but I did it.
Lo and behold..Mac waltzed out from under the bed wagging his tail. I asked my dad what he did and he said he just told him to be a good dog. I was speachless!
So, had I not witnessed that I might think that the Chatterbowl was ridiculous. It's a pet bowl that plays your recorded message to your pet when it goes to eat. The idea is that your pet is less lonely while you are gone. Cute idea. $24.95 at Chatterbowl