Here’s an article from my favorite homepage, www.happynews.com about a research team that is using robotic animals to get a closer view of animal behavior:

http://www.happynews.com/news/522008/mechanical-squirrels-robot-lizards-jump-research.htm

The squirrel in the photo looks remarkably like Lucy’s stuffed squirrels (dubbed “Squirrely Squirrel” at my house.) Here is Lucy’s preferred squirrel of choice: http://www.petco.com/product/100216/AKC-Squirrel-Dog-Toy.aspx  Her favorite activity is to rip the squirrel open and degut it.  Total carnage.  Then I restuff the squirrel and take it to Squirrely Squirrel Hospital (my sewing machine).  Then the vicious cycle starts again. 

I’ve always wanted to get a robotic squirrel or bunny for the yard just to have it run around the yard so Lucy could chase it.  She would love it.