I am thinking of adopting a pet.
 

I visited a pet shelter last Easter and I have this gnawing feeling that a pet would help me while I live alone after a nasty divorce. I am deliberating whether I would get a cat or a dog? I live in a small cramped condo unit in a hilly place. It's largely residential with not much children.

I would love a cat but I don't know how to toilet train it. Same with a dog. Which one is better to train?

And if you prefer dogs to cats, what would you recommend for me? I am thinking of adopting either this small ginger kitten or this gray-coated cat; and then there is this lovely little cocker spaniel pup and this fully grown lassie.

I'm a cat person myself.

Not much training involved with a cat. Show them where the littler box is and where their food and water is and that is about it.

I have three cats and they just follow me all around the house.

I found my dog (Micro) at the pound. We got lucky though. Ive heard some nightmare stories.

Check for the pounds that have free trials. Then you're not stuck with bad one.

A cat is easier to train, by far. Basically show it the litter and you've trained it.
However, the smell of the litter can be bothersome if you dont keep cleaning it - the more often, the better.

A dog is like a kid, you have to keep telling it things over and over again and even then it forgets. A dog requires much more attention and limits you to going away for a day or two. I also find vet bills cost so much more for a dog.

My vote is for a cat. I would also suggest saving a cat instead of buying a new one from a store.

Good luck.

Depends on your personality, some people are happier with dogs, others with cats. Dogs (if treated right) are more loving and better behaved although can be "needy". Cats are more independent than dogs but will love you when it is convenient for them and will ignore you at other times. When they want something cats will expect you to do it, and do it immediately. The best way of looking at cats and dogs is to compare them with human children and think of you as their parent. Dogs are more like young kids, under 10, loving their parents but a bit "needy". Cats are more like teenagers, still loving their parents but often not showing it, more independent, often sullen, and think their parents are their servants.

Dog... go with a dog! Cats are ok |crazy|, but there's just not a heck of a lot you can do with them, I have a French Bulldog and am actually thinking of getting him a bitch (had to say it), because since I've been at AWE full time he seems to be getting a bit depressed. They require so much love and time that you absolutely have to give it to them...I mean you feel bad if you don't spend time with them. Plus you can bring them with you...you tend to look a bit foolish with a cat on a leash |pokefun| Last but not the least of my points is that they tend to be chick magnets |boobies|

Guess it depends on your cat. |jester|

http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/image...175dd010.L.jpg

I like kitties, but my daughter recently got one of these guys:

http://www.vetpets.net/images/ferrett.jpg

Ferretts are cool!

Whoah! Thanks for the great advice, guys! I will let you know what happens when I visit the shelter in a day or two. I think I'm warming up to a cat!

Pets are great responsibilities but with TLC shouldn't be impossible.

I think it's great you are considering rescuing from a shelter.
I work with a non-profit cat rescue group in my city, we take as many cats as we can from the kill shelters and foster them until we find them good, permanent homes. Most of the animals at shelters have been dumped by people who did not care to give them a lifetime commitment of love, shelter, medical care, etc. once the novelty wore off.
I think people who rescue previously given up pets are AMAZING for deciding to give an abandoned animal a forever home, so I wish you the best, and hey, if you decide to go through with it, come back and post pics of the lucky baby!

Dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, ferrets....no matter which way you go you are adding a member of the family....and just like having kids pets have their ups and downs but in the end well worth it

I adopted 2 cats back in 2006 when I moved back to Montreal. Best roomates I have ever had... only wish they could pick their poop and pay rent ;-)

Don't we all wish that Jean-Francois? Don't we all.

I have cat doors so no litter box or poop to deal with.

I own a guinea pig, he is nice, and he likes to eat and sleep like me. :D