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Rescue Pets Swim To Me Puppy - Dalmatian by Rescue pets
Product SummaryManufacturer: Rescue pets Brand: Rescue Pets Model: 388647P Product features: - He walks, he begins to swim when placed in water
- Includes: 1 Rescue Pet Swim to Me Puppy, 1 Pair of Goggles, 1 Towel and 1 Adoption Certificate
- Battery requirements: 3 x AAA (not included)
Accessories:
Toys and Games Reviews of Rescue Pets Swim To Me Puppy - DalmatianCustomer Review: Look at this toy with a critical eye and be careful with water despite its touted function Summary: 3 Stars
CAUTIOUS OPENING OF THE BOX
My daughter insisted that she has wanted this for 6 months. Despite me presenting a lot of negative reviews and only a few positive reviews, my 9 year old refused to listen to the naysayers and open the box. I was hesitant about the decision but conceded. My recommendation is not to destroy the box by cutting the various rubber straps and carefully cutting the wires that hold the dog and its accessories in place. After about 3-5 minutes of meticulously cutting the pet free, I had to find a Phillips screwdriver small enough to fit into the holes that house the battery. I placed the 3 AAA batteries in, checked the rubber gaskets that line the battery compartment, and made sure that the battery cover was properly seated. If this is not performed correctly, I can foresee a water leak which can render this toy useless after placing it into water. Reading that this has poor performance in water based upon feedback from my fellow reviewers, I advised my daughter against that practice to ensure a longer useable life. She agreed and she will be using this as a vehicle for her Barbie Dolls to ride.
CONSTRUCTION
The dog is made of hard plastic with rubber ears. The battery compartment is in the abdomen of the dog. For design, I would have made the compartment in the back to limit water getting into the sensitive area. The button that powers the toy is in the front collar - it serves as an on/off switch. Again, I would have personally designed this toy to have the power button near the top of the device, rather than below the water level in its current design.
The rubber ears are durable in feel but are hollowed out for improved bouyancy. The feet/legs are hollowed out to function as "Scoops" to propel the dog forward in water.
The head is disproportionately large with big eyes that is more attractive for toddlers and young children. The high contrast design may even appeal to 3 year old children (the bottom limit of the recommended age). Accompanying the toy is a Terry cloth towel and a set of goggles. The goggles fit my daughter better than it fits the dog but it has no real function - except for a symbolic aesthetic.
OPERATION
The power button is the only switch to power On and Off. The toy moves in a robotic motion, and appears to be precarious in balance. There is a mechanical sound that is not loud; however, in 2008-2009, I would have expected engineers to make an item quieter than this.
CAVEATS
I would make sure that the battery enclosure is properly sealed before placing this into water. Depending upon the climate in which you live, I would recommend that you check the silicone gasket to see if there is any breakdown. The button is not accessible to inspection to ensure a proper seal and I see this as a major pitfall in design - this limits the serviceability for the general user.
RECOMMENDATIONS
With careful consideration and the design flaws, this has a small market of children that will actually benefit/enjoy this toy. This may appeal to a much younger population for its appearance or older children who have a greater attention to caring for their toy and want a virtual pet.
Description of Rescue Pets Swim To Me Puppy - DalmatianLittle Tikes Rescue Pets Swim To Me Puppy He's the cute little stray that swims all day! Just put the Rescue Pets Swim to Me Puppy in the water and watch him go. Take him out of the water and watch this playful pup walk around. Puppy comes with a pair of goggles, towel, and adoption certificate. Your little one can even fill out and register the adoption certificate online. Puppy stands 9" tall and requires 3-AA batteries, not included.
Pools & Water Fun Toys
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