From DigiMon to Tamagotchi, there are dozens of choices for the virtual pet lover. The latest, "Nintendogs," ($30, rated E) was recently released in the United States, exclusively for the Nintendo DS handheld game machine.

Available in Japan for months, "Nintendogs" is a lifelike digital rendering of puppies.

As in the real world, obtaining a pet starts with a visit to the kennel. After toying around with several breeds, my wife and I settled on a Shetland sheepdog. She named him Huggy.

The dogs are shown in 3D and do an amazing job of mimicking the real thing: they'll sniff around, pant and bark when excited. (They even engage in some unpleasant but necessary business.)

The DS touch screen and microphone are ingeniously used. You can "rub" your pet by stroking it on the bottom screen.

You teach your pet various tricks by speaking into the microphone, then rewarding your dog with a rub on the back or behind the ear.

Huggy has only mastered the basics so far, including "sit," "lie down" and "shake."

The trick for owners is to say each command clearly and consistently. Barking orders, in my experience, prompted tail wags but not much else.

In Bark Mode, your DS will scan the wireless airwaves for fellow pet owners to play with. (I never had the good fortune to bump into other players, however).

"Nintendogs" is real time, so it's important to frequently check on your pup.

I neglected Huggy for two days and returned to find him thirsty, hungry and in no mood to play.

Guilt-ridden, I gave him a bowl of food and water, which he quickly gulped down. He then curled up and took a nap. I quietly saved the game and turned off my DS to give him some dream time.

After only a few weeks, I've already formed an emotional attachment with my pixelated pup.

There are three versions of "Nintendogs," each with different breeds.

"Nintendogs" certainly won't replace our love and devotion for flesh-and-blood creatures — but it's paws-down the cutest virtual pet I've ever cared for.