TV-Series
Description
Bow Meow, also known as Wannya, is an alien character who serves as the dedicated caretaker for the baby Ruu in the anime Daa! Daa! Daa!. Hailing from the planet Otto, Bow Meow is not a pet in the traditional sense but a specialized "sitter pet," a unique classification that combines the roles of a nursemaid and a companion animal. This being is a curious and often comical creature whose appearance blends features of both a cat and a dog, reflecting its dual nature as both a playful animal and a responsible guardian.
Personality-wise, Bow Meow is generally well-meaning and diligent in its duties, but it is also prone to causing unintended chaos. While it takes its mission to protect and care for Ruu seriously, its methods and transformations often exacerbate problems rather than solve them. Despite these missteps, Bow Meow is fundamentally loyal and deeply invested in the well-being of the baby in its charge. It has a particular fondness for mitarashi dango, a type of Japanese dumpling covered in a sweet soy glaze, and this passion can sometimes be used to distract or motivate it.
In terms of role within the story, Bow Meow is a central figure in maintaining the secret of Ruu's existence. After the UFO crash-lands at the Saionji temple, Bow Meow and Ruu are forced to live with the human teenagers Miyu and Kanata. Bow Meow thus becomes an integral, if unconventional, member of this makeshift family, helping to manage the household by doing all the cooking and cleaning. The creature also keeps a computerized "sitter pet" diary, where it records the day's events, providing a recurring narrative device that summarizes each episode.
Bow Meow's most notable ability is its power to shapeshift into a wide variety of forms. It can transform into animals, inanimate objects, and perhaps most usefully, human beings. Its most common human disguises include a young blond man passed off as a relative of Miyu, a dark-red-haired woman presented as a helpful neighbor, and even an exact copy of the monk Hosho, the absent owner of the temple. These transformations are crucial for navigating daily life on Earth without revealing the aliens' true identities. However, this power is not without its limits. Bow Meow requires a special shampoo to control its abilities; if it runs out, it suffers from power incontinence, losing control of its shapeshifting and causing unpredictable and often humorous situations.
Throughout the series, Bow Meow's relationships define its character. It shows the utmost respect and devotion to the baby Ruu, whom it addresses with the honorific title "Ruu-chama". Bow Meow also forms a strong, if often exasperated, partnership with the human protagonists Miyu and Kanata. As the three work together to hide Ruu's identity and alien origins, Bow Meow comes to trust and rely on them, and it is mystified when it learns that psychic powers and floating are not standard abilities for human babies on Earth. Over time, Bow Meow develops from a somewhat clumsy alien babysitter into a more reliable and beloved member of the household, contributing to the central theme of an unlikely but loving family.
Personality-wise, Bow Meow is generally well-meaning and diligent in its duties, but it is also prone to causing unintended chaos. While it takes its mission to protect and care for Ruu seriously, its methods and transformations often exacerbate problems rather than solve them. Despite these missteps, Bow Meow is fundamentally loyal and deeply invested in the well-being of the baby in its charge. It has a particular fondness for mitarashi dango, a type of Japanese dumpling covered in a sweet soy glaze, and this passion can sometimes be used to distract or motivate it.
In terms of role within the story, Bow Meow is a central figure in maintaining the secret of Ruu's existence. After the UFO crash-lands at the Saionji temple, Bow Meow and Ruu are forced to live with the human teenagers Miyu and Kanata. Bow Meow thus becomes an integral, if unconventional, member of this makeshift family, helping to manage the household by doing all the cooking and cleaning. The creature also keeps a computerized "sitter pet" diary, where it records the day's events, providing a recurring narrative device that summarizes each episode.
Bow Meow's most notable ability is its power to shapeshift into a wide variety of forms. It can transform into animals, inanimate objects, and perhaps most usefully, human beings. Its most common human disguises include a young blond man passed off as a relative of Miyu, a dark-red-haired woman presented as a helpful neighbor, and even an exact copy of the monk Hosho, the absent owner of the temple. These transformations are crucial for navigating daily life on Earth without revealing the aliens' true identities. However, this power is not without its limits. Bow Meow requires a special shampoo to control its abilities; if it runs out, it suffers from power incontinence, losing control of its shapeshifting and causing unpredictable and often humorous situations.
Throughout the series, Bow Meow's relationships define its character. It shows the utmost respect and devotion to the baby Ruu, whom it addresses with the honorific title "Ruu-chama". Bow Meow also forms a strong, if often exasperated, partnership with the human protagonists Miyu and Kanata. As the three work together to hide Ruu's identity and alien origins, Bow Meow comes to trust and rely on them, and it is mystified when it learns that psychic powers and floating are not standard abilities for human babies on Earth. Over time, Bow Meow develops from a somewhat clumsy alien babysitter into a more reliable and beloved member of the household, contributing to the central theme of an unlikely but loving family.