Given the chance, which pet would you own?

Hannah_Alumni

With @Adrian_Scope's newest arrival, it got me thinking...

A lot of people may not be able to have pets because of their health, the cost that comes with owning a pet or maybe their landlord won't allow one.

I have a dog, well, she's the family dog. Gwen. But if I could own any pet, I'd love a corgi! 😍

What would you choose? 

66Mustang

We have a male Border Collie which is the family dog as well.

I'd really like a German Shepherd, but they are far too big for our house and garden. Even the smallest females are bigger than our male Border Collie. Also 2 dogs would be a bit much!!

Maybe if I move out into a house with a decent size garden, but I don't know if I could cope with the responsibility and also the restrictions like not being able to travel.

C_J

I would love a dog for a pet but at the moment I'm not always in the flat and that wouldn't be fair. I've often thought a bout a parrot at times.

Hannah_Alumni

@66Mustang I love German Shepherds. I actually love big dogs, but I couldn't lift one in an emergency situation so I didn't think it'd be fair for me to own one. A corgi I could manage lol. If you had a decent sized garden, would you bother with planting anything? Your comment made me think of @welshblue and his son's dog! 

@C_J Ooo what kind of parrot? My friend keeps birds and has a Quaker parrot called Tiny, he is the sweetest!

C_J

@Hannah_Scope one that I could teach to talk a cockatoo I have seen an African Grey in the pet shop not so long ago and he was a really nice parrot chatting away and friendly.

Sandy_123

Cats for me as they are independent. I have a neighbourhood cat who lives a few doors down that visits. He even jumps in the window if it's open,  makes himself at home.
I grew up with dogs I wouldn't be able to walk them every day and pick up their mess. Cats Bury their mess out side. Take themselves off for a  walk if they are out door Cats.

Hannah_Alumni

@C_J Quakers are actually talkative too! They are considered to have a clearer speaking voice but I have seen African Grey's online be very clear when they talk. Have you ever seen a Hyacinth Macaw? They don't have a huge vocabulary but they are known as the "gentle giants! in the parrot world. So affectionate. 

C_J

@Hannah_Scope I have seen a few Hyacinth Macaws they are lovely looking birds Quakers are also really nice birds as well although I've not heard one talk as of yet. I may considered getting one as a pet for company for each other in the future only time will tell I know parrots need a lot of time and attention as they can become easily bored and that's not good for them. 

OverlyAnxious

I'm not a big fan of animals.  Generally, if it moves, I'll be scared of it... 

I would like a medium sized Terrier type dog for companionship but couldn't cope with the poo, drool, hair and dirt.  It wouldn't be fair on the dog to restrict where it could go in the property and keep washing it's paws etc.

I've been watching 'The Dog House' lately (repeats on More4) and found it really interesting how each breed has different pros & cons and then each individual dog has different levels of intelligence and personality.

Was also surprised to hear that some breeds are prone to OCD type conditions with compulsions such as shadow chasing.

66Mustang

Our dog has some sort of anxiety I think, because he hates being left alone in the house.

I wondered before whether the dog would qualify for PIP, because he can't be trusted outside alone (he would run into traffic). He also needs prompting to go to the toilet in the correct place and time. And he doesn't understand instructions (more like chooses to ignore them).

Jimm_Scope

I've always wanted a rabbit, they need a touch more care and knowledge than people often expect however. I also don't think the rabbit and our cat would get on so well..

@66Mustang My cat has that too, separation anxiety I believe is the term? It can be heart-breaking hearing her meows when we have to leave the house . We hope to get a second cat in the near future to keep her company.

Hannah_Alumni

@C_J I've read that having a parrot is like having a toddler!  

@OverlyAnxious I love The Dog House, you may have seen one of their reps post on here with opportunities It is really interesting! I love how they do their best to pair the right dog and owner(s). Is it just dogs that you'd like if you were to go for a pet? If you are not allergic, cats have that little bit more independence? 

@66Mustang Awww did you have him over lockdown? My dog has anxiety. She doesn't walk! If you shout let's go walkie she hides Much prefers to run in the garden and up the back on the entry. 

@Jimm_Scope Maybe not with Suki But I didn't realise how much care a rabbit would need either! 

Emille

I have been lucky to have had many pets over the years - have had pets since I was 11 and I'm now 53.  I have a little Chihuahua dog who is fantastic company - I suffer with Fibromyalgia/CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and Osteoporosis and my Nellie Dog-Dog stops me from going nuts on the days when I have to stay in bed from exhaustion.

Until a recent injury which is still healing,  I was able to walk him at a lovely local park a couple of times a week. Hopefully we will be able to get back there soon.  Slow dog walking is great for Fibro because it keeps you active and is so good for the mental health any time of year to get fresh air.

If I could choose another pet (after my beloved dog passes - he's 10 now) it would be either: Another older small breed rescue dog / An African Pouched Rat (google that one it's really interesting or maybe a Sphinx Hairless Cat or Ferrets My favourite pets are rats (the much smaller ones) of which have had many - I used to keep them in single sex  groups of 6.

I expect my little doggie man to live a good few years yet though so who knows....the saddest part of keeping pets is when they become old or so sick that you know it has become a palliative situation with the help of good vets.  It is an unfortunate part of the commitment you make;  the joy pets bring balances this out and you are left with so many wonderful memories - so somehow they still stay with you forever.

OverlyAnxious

Hannah_Scope said:

@OverlyAnxious I love The Dog House, you may have seen one of their reps post on here with opportunities It is really interesting! I love how they do their best to pair the right dog and owner(s). Is it just dogs that you'd like if you were to go for a pet? If you are not allergic, cats have that little bit more independence? 

I must have missed those posts!    I agree it's really good how they seem to understand each person's needs as well as each dog's needs and then match them up.

Cats would be too chaotic for me.  Jumping up on anything above floor level, breaking things, using a litter tray indoors, doing whatever they want, whenever they want.  I need a bit more order and routine. 

Hannah_Alumni

@Emile Aww Nellie sounds like such a loving dog Hopefully you'll be out walking soon! I had a friend who kept rats and they are so cute but they were fast! Would hum the Indiana Jones theme tune when they managed to escape  

I know how you feel about the last few years. My Gwen is 13 and although acts like a puppy, she's getting tired bless her  

@OverlyAnxious Aaah yes, a cat is very much a "you will do what I want to" pet  I love when they match them up and the humans are a little apprehensive and you sit thinking this is that best thing that will happen to you. Queue the end scene when they say they couldn't be without them! haha. 

rebel11

My neighbour had the best dog in the world, but I'd go for a Tiger Cub, they are so cute.

durhamjaide2001

I'm scared of animals. However I once wanted a horse when I went horse riding when I was younger 

life

I'd like to see a komodo dragon in person.

And a shark for a pet, put it in the bath

poppy123456

I'm definitely a cat person. I wouldn't have a dog because more often than not i'm scared of them and it comes from my childhood days, that i've never forgotten.

If i could i would have another Siamese cat. They are the most adorable cats i've ever known, very vocal, loving and hate being left alone. I couldn't have another at the moment because of my cat (Siamese pure white) i know he wouldn't adapt to another cat. He's 10 years old now and and very very spoilt.

Hannah_Alumni

@rebel11 a tiger cub! So cute! 

@durhamjaide2001 Did you go horse riding as in lessons or just a one off? I love horses, there was one I'd visit when walking with my grandparents in Wales.

@life You'd need a pool in the garden for the shark!

Poppy123456 Awww your cat sounds like my dog, won't let you have another animal in the house! Have you had Siamese cats all your life? 

Emille

I'm not sure how to reply directly to individual comments so I've added here instead. To Hannah, My Nellie Dog-Dog is a real sweetheart but beware of the Chi nature - they might be small but they are a lot of work as they can be so over emotional - they seem to do and feel everything over the top - maybe making up for their small size. Choosing a dog that suits your lifestyle is really important.

 Domestic rats are very intelligent and interactive - quite cuddly too if they are handled well when they are small - they do pose a problem with landords though, it's like pets are ok but NOT rats - I love the wild variety just as much.  They get a bad rep but it's humans who give them the environments for them to do their thing - any animal that seems a 'pest' is only trying to make a living as best they can.

To 'Life' - Komodo Dragons are amazing - as close as we can get to Dinosaurs (excluding birds of course which are descended from Dinosaurs).  How about a dinosaur as a pet - Yikes walkies and vet appointments would be rather an adventure and what if it escaped from your garden !  Perhaps a veggie dino.  

I am actually quite scared of horses - but never had a bad experience. I find them hard to read.  I'd like to get over that fear and learn how to interact with them as they seem such beautiful creatures. No riding though as I'm scared of heights.  - I think I might slip down their neck when thy stop to munch on the grass.