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[tamiam]

I think we might be able to raise the level of discourse by pretending to intellectually discuss our preferred pets.

I have had cats in the past. They would be good.

I now have a nasty dog. He is bad. He chases squirrels. He barks at something many nights at 2:00 a.m. (possibly the neighborhood bear; this hypothesis is born out by the fact that he hasn't been doing so since the snow flew.)

Pets in cages - I don't know. They seem kinda smelly to me.

Goldfish? My son just flushed his while it was still alive. He claimed that he was doing it for my sake as I seemed to be too stressed out with all my responsibilities lately.

Overall, though, I really would have to vote for cats.

[yedis]

A pet rock

Sadly, that's all I've got time for.  Would love a cat tho...

Something is wrong when a cat seems like high-mtce

[agree]

definitely cats.  we get unconditional love, loads of entertainment (esp with 2 of them), and they require little maintenance in return.  they behave around company (generally leave strangers alone, but will let strangers pet them if they want to). we can leave them for long weekends without supervision. truly ideal companions.

but i would recommend a good vacuum cleaner like Dyson for the cat hair. and a lint brush at home, car and work.

[almostnew]

I loathe cats, but 2 were part of the package when I got married, so I'm stuck with them.  At least they're low maintenance.

I recommend a mini-dachshund.  They are headstrong, loyal, think they weigh 150 lbs, and are silly looking.  How can you take academia seriously when you have a weiner dog (I do - she's a handful, but she's worth it)?

Speaking of which, I'm done grading.  For now.  So I'll go home and hang out with my bundle of trouble.

[Fiiona]

I love cats, but be aware that many folks are allergic to them. If you have the dept. chair over for dinner and you're untenured, vacuum, vaccuum, vaccuummmm.

[%sig%]

[anon]

Dogs are the best!  Our dog is an integral part of the family, and we'd feel lost without him.  He's also great for cheering you up after a rough day.

[tamiam]

Want another one?

[Cats]

Low maintenance, LOADS of personality, can be left alone for several days with a clean litter box and a big bowl of food, don't need walks at 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m.... you get the picture.  

I have two cats (by choice) and a dog (by chance), and much prefer the cats.  I'm in love with the dog, too, but he's so much work (100-lb. mutt) and can't be left alone for more than 8 hours or so.  

I'd suggest cats, especially if you're living alone, or gone much of the time.

[Dog lover]

Clearly beagles.  They are adorable and oh-so-tasty.

[Prytania]

Cats are excellent, but so are beagles, but my mother absconded with our beagle. Imagine that.

[snippet]

How can it be that no one has nominated the hedgehog?  They are tiny, and yet an half-pound hedgehog snorts like a herd of pigs.  They are cute, yet covered with pointy spines.  They long to spend the entire winter sleeping. You don't need to spend much time with them; in fact, they'd rather you left them alone.  
To me, this says "academic":
http://www.mark-ju.net/images/hedgehog.jpg
as does this:
http://www.hedgehogcentral.com/photos/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pos=4

[Tippy]

I'm partial to the miniature schnauzer myself.

[Medusa]

Eye of newt, fillet of a fenny snake.

[%sig%]

[anon99]

I love my puggle, Pisco.

[puppies R us]

Best pet by far is a dog!!!!!..... Wonderful and truly a best friend!!

But I wouldn't mind an elephant.... far more intelligent than most people I know.

Or a dolphine..... adorable ( more than most people I know)!


:O)