Teen Invents Device To Video Chat With Your Lonely Pets

(CBS SF) -- Video chat helps people stay in touch with their friends and family -- so why not with their pets? Now a new gadget is helping to facilitate video calls between lonely pooches and their anxious owners.

The device iCPooch, priced at $150, has an adjustable mount where a computer tablet can be placed at eye-level. An accompanying smartphone app then allows a human to video call their pet and even remotely release a treat.

"The point of having a dog is to interact with him and spend time with him," said dog owner Brian Stump. "When you spend eight hours a day away from him, it just helps to bridge that gap."

The iCPooch didn't come from a tech company, but rather a teenager who wanted to help ease her golden retriever's separation anxiety.

"I felt so guilty that I had to leave her alone all day depressed by herself," said 14-year-old Brooke Martin, who recently displayed her invention at the Purina Better With Pets summit in New York. "I thought it would be great to connect with her while I was gone."

Martin built a working prototype and has already sold hundreds online. She hopes the finished version will be on store shelves in time for the holidays.

The device can also be adapted for cat treats so feline owners can video visit with their cat when they're away.