@dabaus513
Your actually serious about those comments. Proxy combat is huge right now. Consumers are really into having pets fight for them. They like it even better when the pet is terribly adorable. Anyone on these forums can list off all the games that prove that this formula is sickeningly popular. From key chain pets to the sickeningly sweet Pokemon. From Nintendogs to Worlds of Warcraft. Pets are just in, and they sell like mad.
I can understand if you do not like the concept. Thankfully the game does give you the option to abandon your pet. However it is a very popular game concept, and you really cannot pretend that is not the case. People just dig having cute cuddly pets that they can sick on their enemies, and the more needy the pet is the more they really dig it.
The dog actually terrifies me a little bit. They have designed it to entirely play upon your emotions, and trigger your nurturing instincts. Players are going to become terribly attached to their pet. The concept is insidious, innocuous, and entertaining. Before you know it your going to find yourself bonded to this fictional creations well being.