You actually can't get rid of the "creature" which is a frog. It actually helps you complete the level. To make the frog work match candies the same color as the frog, when it glows you can move it to where you want it to explode and clear some squares for you.
I'm not sure if there is a way to tell how long you have played. I am guessing ten years. My husband actually got me started one day because he was complaining he couldn't get past a level. He had been playing a few weeks. I bet him I could pass him over the weekend and he didn't think I could. I beat him in one day lol.…