SNET Internet : Features : Survey : Pets

Which of the following make the best pets?

Birds - 128 (3%)
Dogs - 2,518 (52%)
Cats - 1,724 (36%)
Hamsters/gerbils/guinea pigs - 48 (1%)
Fish - 161 (3%)
Snakes - 38 (1%)
Rabbits - 40 (1%)
Ferrets - 63 (2%)
Other (Write us!) - 121 (2%)

Your comments:

"On the best pets: Don't forget domestic pigeons (i.e. Racing Homers, Rollers, Tumblers, Tipplers, Fantails). When properly cared for they are clean, quiet, they do not chase and kill wild life like dogs and cats do, they come in a wide array of breeds and colors, they don't bite, claw, or scratch, they pose no danger to people or other animals, etc." J.S., Preston

"Turtles make good pets. They're quiet, but still need good care. I have three of them." D.Z., East Norwalk

"Imaginary pets are the best! They are low-maintanance and beside that, you can go on vacation whenever you want." Cliff, Branford

"Cats are smarter than dogs." Dick, Groton

"Horses!? Surprised not to see horses included among the list. Great companion animals." J.R., Enfield

"I'm a 33 year old machinist. I work hard all day in the shop, on my feet, busting my butt. When I go home my little cat is waiting for me. She loves me and I love her. She sleeps with me every night on my bed. She even talks to me. If anyone hurts cats, I want to hurt them. I love cats." Al, Bristol

"Goats make the best pets. They are funny and very loving." D.B.L., Sterling

"Dogs are without a doubt the best. They treat you like royalty when you come home- everyday! They are always happy to see you and give you compaionship that is unbeatable. I have two beautiful Shelties and they are the joy in my life." L.J.N., East Haddam

"We have one bird (parrot), two dogs and three cats and they all get along well. The cats jump on top of the birds cage and sit there like Snoopy on the doghouse. They also will just recline and observe. The dogs get along with the bird and the cats, they sleep with the cats, and will stand on hind legs to reach the bird to communicate. The bird has picked up the cat's cry and can also bark in a higher pitch but like the dogs. He also can whistle like my husband and call the dogs in from outside. They are quite a bunch! If one has to go to the vet they all seem to pout till the missing one comes back home." C.J.D., Ivoryton

"I have a pet suggestion -- a giant panda bear the has a top hat like Frank Sinatra and a cane like Dean Martin. I think it would be cool, don't you?" No Name, Stonington

"Shame on you! With 55 years under my belt I can speak with the voice of authority, the absolute best pets are called WIVES." C., Milford

"I vote dogs because dogs never get mad at you. They are very forgiving. In fact, I wish I was half the person my dog thinks I am!" Hutch, Wallingford

"Monkeys are without a doubt the best. They're smart, energetic, cute, cuddly, and a novelty item. All you need is a permit, some monkey food, and a very good potty trainer. I should know, I am a monkey!" Lucy, Storrs

"For people like me who are severly allergic to animals, the best pet I have found is a beautiful cardinal who has made residence in my yard. After watching him perch on my car admiring himself in the mirror, I have hung a mirror outside with a perch especially for him. I can enjoy his company while he remains his own free spirit. Of course he was never intended to become a household pet, but he has made us smile everyday and has brought joy to everyone who has had the pleasure of watching him." G.D.R., Greenwich

"We like the Yellow-Bellied Sap Sucker the best at our house. They are kind of like George W., they don't know what they are doing, but they keep screwing things up around here. Another low maintenance pet is Mold!" Bubba, Bristol

"I think dogs are the best pets to have. They are loyal, fun to have around, some people say they even help you live just a little longer." Kieth, Lisbon

"Horses should have been listed, rather than some of the others. (like snakes, etc.) They're very common pets." M.E.S., Killingworth

"That was a tough choice. I have service dog. Although she is NOT A PET, she is the best ever. In the pet division, we have dog (pound rescue), 3 cats, and a hamster. The cats and the dog are tied for best pet. We have also had a guinea pig, and fish. The guinea pig, fish, and hamster make great pets for folks with limited living space. It is good to have a pet. Another living soul to share your life with...it is not good to go it alone." Deb, Litchfield

"I'd like to know why someone hasn't gone to Washington, DC to lobby for a law for dogs and cats to be neutered or spayed and to also have a chip that are sold from pet shops as well as owners who currently have dogs or cats. This might have an impact on all the street animals to be put to sleep who are currently in shelters." Slick, Danbury

"What about cockroaches? Or how about Crows? We got roaches and they keep the place 'policed' up pretty darn good! Crows help keep the yard clean too! Huh! We be gonna be on TV? Great! We can beat out that 'gator fella from Australia.

When you all gonna ask which pickup truck we like the best? Or our favorite beer or cigar?? I'm gettin tired of this "wimpy" stuff. Well, I gotta go feed the chickens and turn my pet Moose loose for the day. See ya!" Burt, Bozrah

"I feel that dogs are the best pets to own. Especially if they are large ones. They protect your home when your not there, keep your kids safe, and provide that cheerfullness when your feeling down. I mean, you don't hear of any seeing eye cats, right?" Dog Lover, Plainville

Previous survey results are available.