Pet Owners: Help? [SOLVED!]

[Katastrophe]

For the most part of my life, I've owned dogs and cats and I currently own a dog but unfortunately, I'm too exhausted to keep him. I've had him for half a year and I'm tired of his "accidents" and with the house being big, there's a lot of "accidents". Training him is near to impossible and I think I've been patient enough since I've tried it all with the help I've found online; I can't keep him outside because he could easily run away.

I have a cousin in mind to give him away to but I need help from fellow pet owners here on RPG and my question is:

What do you recommend to someone who wants to own a new pet that isn't a cat or a dog?

I can't own cats anymore because I have allergies which breaks my heart because they align more with my personality so I'm still weeping about that.

I was contemplating on a rabbit but after seeing a video, I'm immensely afraid to get bitten.

To be honest, I'd really like a pet because I'm an only child and I do suffer a lot from anxiety so I like to have company especially while my mother is away working and I'm at school, or at home for the most part due to my flexible schedule.

Your help would be much appreciated!

Thank you.

[Vilageidiotx]

Pets are work. They are living beings. You aren't going to find one that isn't work. Anything that lives in a tank will come with the need to change the tank. Same with birds in a cage (plus birds are awful creatures that poop on heads). You're either going to have to accept the responsibility that comes with pet ownership, or find another way to supply the benefits you are looking for.

[El Taco Taco]

@Vilageidiotx is right; no matter the animal, you have to be able and willing to put in the work. And make sure your pup is going somewhere loving to soften the blow; no matter how poorly behaved they are, losing you is going to be very hard on them.

Now, more to answer your question, have you considered rats? Having owned a small menagerie over the years, I can say that rats are great little buddies. They have their challenges; you need at least two so they don't get bored, finding fancy rats that aren't sick can be difficult, and their cages need to be big and cleaned frequently. But they're dead clever, loyal, and absolutely sweet. My rats used to sit on my shoulders, climb on my head, nibble my ears and such. If you socialize them from an early age, they're very cuddly. They're adorable, although their little claws are pretty scratchy.

[Katastrophe]

Thank you very much for telling it like it is, @Vilageidiotx.

It's time for a new strategy!

[Katastrophe]

Now, more to answer your question, have you considered rats? Having owned a small menagerie over the years, I can say that rats are great little buddies. They have their challenges; you need at least two so they don't get bored, finding fancy rats that aren't sick can be difficult, and their cages need to be big and cleaned frequently. But they're dead clever, loyal, and absolutely sweet. My rats used to sit on my shoulders, climb on my head, nibble my ears and such. If you socialize them from an early age, they're very cuddly. They're adorable, although their little claws are pretty scratchy.

@El Taco Taco

I was doing some research and I really like the sound of owning one!

Not too long ago, I called up my local pet store and asked questions too so I'm very tempted to get one especially since they have a sale going on for not just rats but hamsters too.

I just hope that I can manage my dog (he's very tiny so I think he's a teacup) and a rat at the same time. Or if not, I'll have to pick one or the other. Not that I don't like my dog, I love him very much but I don't want to be unfair to him especially since he can't speak for himself. There's a lot to take into consideration.

[El Taco Taco]

Personally, I'm not much a fan of hamsters; I found them dumb and not particularly affectionate.

If you're struggling to care for just the dog now, adding another animal on top of that is only going to make things more difficult.

Best of luck to you!

[Katastrophe]

Personally, I'm not much a fan of hamsters; I found them dumb and not particularly affectionate.

If you're struggling to care for just the dog now, adding another animal on top of that is only going to make things more difficult.

Best of luck to you!

@El Taco Taco

Thank you, Taco Taco!

I'll be thinking all of this very thoroughly and I'm just glad I have my cousin to own my dog if I do decide to own a rat once I've tried a new strategy for his "accidents".

Have a great weekend!