Woof woof

Remember Tamagochi? (For all I know, it’s now cool again …) Those lovely people over at the RSPCA havelaunched a mobile game called ‘MobiDog’ (hmmm a little lacking in originality, that one) to help spread the message of responsible pet ownership. I spotted this in an advertisement feature in Metro this morning.

“The aim of the game is to educate the user on the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which places a ‘duty of care’ on pet owners to ensure they look after their pet,” says RSPCA campaigner, Helen Ball.

“The main aim is to convey, in an entertaining way, an animal’s prime welfare needs, which include the need for food and water, shelter, exercise, and companionship and veterinary care when necessary. Mobidog is interactive, playful and educational, with a competitive slant, which we hope will help get the message about looking after pets properly to a young audience.”

Right. I have a cat. And I reckon I look after him pretty well. So here goes with a cyberdog. I text GAME to 60222. The response to my text was very quick - about 5 seconds. The initial screen asks you to select your handset. Hmmm, I feel it should know what handset I have because I’ve just texted them, and I am a girl and so I know i have a Nokia but I don’t know what model it is. It’s an odd handset choice too - what the hell is a Mio? And who has an Alcatel?

Also the introductory message - “Welcome! Please select your handset. Enjoy playing Mobidog!’ is poor. Where’s my fluffy campaign messaging?

Anyway, I’m afraid - oh audience with bated breath, I can’t tell you much more, because, UNBELIEVEABLY, my model (the Nokia 6500 classic) isn’t listed. And I don’t feel confident enough to select a model that’s similar because those numbers don’t mean a thing to me. So you’re going to have to wait until I get my hands on a Mio or an Alcatel to complete my review. Also, does any consumer know if they have a Series60E2FP1?!

In the meantime, to see if you fare better, text GAME to 60022 or go to www.rspca-cyberpet.com.

Also posted on www.welovemobile.co.uk