My husband is crazy about playing an online computer game right now. You know, the kind where there are a lot of other real people playing at the same time. In this particular game he is playing, you create a character who goes on various quests. You find treasure and buy all sorts of gear as you go along.

One particular part my husband finds exciting is that he can tame a pet for his own, as an assistant in his quests. The pet creature you tame (like wolves, owls, or even crabs) follows you no matter where you go in the game. It will fight along side you, and all you need to do to keep it happy is throw it a bit of its favorite food from time to time.

I think this is an interesting option in the game. You probably don't need a pet to play this game, but a lot of players seem to choose to own their own pets in this fantasy world. These pets can even save your life!

Pets are good for you...well, even in a virtual reality world, apparently.

Pets will give you a sense of partnership. They can be your loyal friends and assistants. You don't feel lonely when your pets are around. Pets add something invaluable to your life.

Simply, pets make you happy.

I'm sure my husband will play the game again tonight...and feed his pet crab so it will be happy to run around with him in the game world. I think he just got himself a cat, too.