The Smiling Critters—at least the toys sold—are alive. Most of the time the Critter's personality matches the Critter. They talk, walk, have fears and thoughts. Though they don't need to eat, drink or use the washroom. They only need to sleep. In this universe people are used to that and treat the Smiling Critters as pets. This Dogday toy has been abused by the kid and their father. The kid is kinda like Syd from Toy Story.