iFetch, Whistle, and Petzi Connect

"Animal lovers in the tech world have decided 'It's time to let technology bring us closer to our pets." What do they mean by "closer"? For example, keeping your dog actively engaged in an activity it loves (iFetch); monitoring its activity, like a Fitbit for dogs (Whistle); and staying connected with your dog via an intercom and treat dispenser (Petzi Connect). "Closer" to your pets presumably means you use such technology only when you have to be away, such as at work, on vacation, or perhaps on an errand. Which means that iFetch etc are only interim technology solutions and that otherwise "closer" means you're actually spending time with your pets.