In Philip K. Dick's "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?", the protagonist reflects on his longing for a genuine animal. This desire surfaces alongside his frustration towards the electric sheep he owns, which, despite requiring care and attention, remains an inanimate object devoid of true consciousness. This contrast emphasizes his struggle with the emotional emptiness that artificial entities bring into his life.

The character's feelings highlight a deeper contemplation about relationships and existence. The electric sheep symbolizes a hollow connection, as it lacks the ability to reciprocate feelings or recognize the person's presence. This mirrored struggle with androids reveals a broader commentary on the nature of companionship, existence, and the human need for authenticity in relationships.