This new dog was the latest available. High speed fetching tech with built in laser tracker, “Real-Feel” tongue, and extended life 10 hour battery were just some of the new features over the last model. Lily had cried when her parents recycled the last dog because he was obsolete. She barely thought of him now.

Lily walked up to the house and paused by the screen door. She had to shout “Here, boy!” several times; her voice was not fully integrated into the recognition software yet. The dog didn’t have a name registered yet, but he came padding up to her.

“Sit!” “SIT!” Lily commanded and finally the dog sat. She reached under his collar and pressed the release and the cable/leash tumbled out. She attached it to the anti-theft anchor buried in the ground then flicked the switch on cable to enable to wireless charging. The dog’s battery meter, currently in the red, began blinking, indicating that he was in charging mode and would be ready for more play in the morning.

Dinner was the usual fair, followed by family TV and video games. Her parents laughing as they lost intentionally. And then it was bedtime as her dad carried her downstairs to her bed. He read her a couple books and kissed her goodnight. Lily went to sleep immediately and dreamt of playing with the new dog again tomorrow.

Lily’s dad clicked the room light off and a soft red light light illuminated the walls, blinking steadily to indicate that his daughter was charging now, too.