I'm on my own again, and soon I'll actually be living in a HOUSE rather than a hotel.

Since I'm not too keen on being entirely alone, I'm thinking of getting mysel a pet. Here are the criteria:

I'll be alone and out at the office most of the day.

I don't want to have to lock the animal up while I'm away. In other words, it must be naturally able to live in a house or be trained to do it.

I like cats because they are decidedly low-maintenance.

I like dogs because they are more loyal and fun.

I'll be either in Laredo, Texas (Hot, hot, hot) or Raleigh, NC (four real seasons).

I'm leaning toward a dog.

I prefer smaller breeds, esecially since this will be the first critter I have by myself, and because they're easier to care for.

So, what's your recommendation? Dog? Cat? Breed? Sex?

Thanks.


ETA: BTW, "Woman" doesn't count. They are expensive, impossible to train, less loyal than cats, and a PITA to maintain.

Fish! get fish!

Get a cat.


you can't sneak a dog into a store by weraing sunglasses and carrying a white cane, but you can a cat!

Quoted: Fish! get fish!

If I can't pet it, I don't want it!

No wise cracks, please!

GET A DOG!! that mans best friend stuff is highly UNDERRATED.  get one that you will trip over, not step on.

I'd say go get a reptile, lower maintenence and pretty darn cool too.

I'd say big lizard or a medium sized snake such as a corn snake, or a milk snake.  King snakes are pretty cool but can be a bit neruotic and the Boa/pythons can be biters.

Quoted: GET A DOG!! that mans best friend stuff is highly UNDERRATED.  get one that you will trip over, not step on.

Who is Man's best friend?

Overheard by a pair of guys lost in the Alps:

"Here come's Man's best friend!"

"Yeah, and look at the size of the dog carrying it!"

If you are not to picky, we just had a big litter of pet rocks.

Quoted: Get one that you will trip over, not step on.

I was thinking a Yorkie. Love those things. It's like a small furry tank on four legs!

Quoted: Quoted: Fish! get fish! If I can't pet it, I don't want it! No wise cracks, please!

Ok how about a sheep.... I know that was BBBBAAAAADDDDD!

Good one piccolo!

Parrot.

Plus'

Entertaining.

Intelligent.

Enjoy companionship and interaction.

Can be left in cage when away from home and let out at your covienence.



Minus'


Expensive.

Can be hard finding a good avian vet when the bird has health problems.

Some species can be very demanding of your time and attention.

Messy (some more than others).

Fish or Snake.  

Dogs need a lot of exposure to people if you don't want them to act weird towards people.

Cat