Here's what I know:

Fish are a lot of work, but very difficult to connect with or really love. I had a goldfish when I was little - it lived 7 days. My roommate and I got a betta fish in college. He lived for about a year, and, for the most part, was just a decoration. Good thing about them is that they're low-maintenance as animals - their tanks, however, take some work.

Dogs are a LOT of maintenance. They're very demanding and needy. They're also loud. You can't leave them alone if you go on a trip, you have to take them for walks whenever they have to use the bathroom, and need a lot of exercise. They also tend to play rough, and really aren't great for apartment living unless they're quiet and well-trained. They are, however, loyal, loving, and trainable.

I have a cat. She's very low-maintenance. She's cuddly, uses her litterbox on her own, stretches her dry food out (she doesn't eat it all when I feed her). I can leave her kibble out in a bowl and she nibbles throughout the day. I work one full time job and one part time, so I'm not home often. For me, it's important to have a pet who loves me, who I can hug, who greets me when I walk through the door at the end of a long day, and most of all, can take care of herself in many ways.
I know a lot of people are allergic to cats, though, so if this isn't an option, I'd aim for a small dog. Pets are very personal and very individual, though. If you don't like cats, don't get one. If you don't like fish, don't get one. If you want a dog, go for it - just be prepared to take on a lot of responsibility.

Personally, I'd go with a cat. If I had to pick between a dog and a fish, I'd go with a dog, simply because you can't hug a fish.

***If you decide against a fish, PLEASE go to www.petfinder.com and search in your area/state. There are so many animals who need good, loving homes, and could be a perfect fit for you. I found my kitty on there, and she's the best thing that ever happened to me.

If you have any other questions, please ask!

Siren

I can't have a cat because someone in the house is allergic, but I would if I could. :) Thank you!

I'm a laid-back 26 year old with a Psychology BA, starting my MA program, and working my way into the field as quickly as I can. It took me an extra Bachelor's degree (in vocal performance and creative writing) to figure it out, but I was put on this Earth to help, to heal, and to love.

I have made the decision to dedicate my life and career to helping others. I am here to do just that.

I've been a member since 2004, and since I signed up, I've gone through quite a lot and learned quite a lot from it. I'm here to give guidance where I had none; no one should have to go through the difficulties I went through alone.

Feel free to visit my website/blog, if you want to read my experience with domestic violence and my thoughts on it.

***While I do tend to answer mental health and other health-related or medicine-related questions, I am by NO MEANS a licensed physician or practitioner of any sort. Any and all advice I give for these questions is from my own experience or studies.***

If you need to get a hold of me quickly, my screen name on AIM is SirenCytherea. Just let me know you found me here.

I'm a strong believer in the idea that there are no stupid questions except the ones left unasked, so, please, keep an open mind, heart, and mouth.

Siren

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