What would be the best?

[Sevaede]

I am trying to figure out what to purchase for my sister (thirteen years old). Should I get her a fish tank and a few fish or a guinea pig? She is starting to go through that awkward, independent age and I think she really needs some companionship. You know, something small and easy to care for to mend and melt away the feelings when she is down. The parentals are going through a divorce so she is pretty torn. (If it is anything furry then I will go to the humane society there in town)

[Lady's Human]

I'd go with fuzzy, personally. Fish are okay, but they're pretty tough to hug/cuddle with when you're in the dumps.(not to mention slimy)

[Roxyluvsme13]

FURRY! Get her a puppy! They always want to be loved on and played with, and mine sure do cheer me up.

[Muddy4paws]

Is a dog or cat an option?

I love guinea pigs I find them so calming to be around but the noise can get to some people.

[sammy101]

furry. Out of what you said,i would go with a Guinea Pig( though i dont know much about them...)

[Miss Z]

I would choose guinea pig out of that choice. Will this be her first pet? Maybe she'd like a little hamster, they are very straight forward to look after and cute and cuddly too, and maybe a little less difficult to clean out than a guinea pig I would suggest a rat, but unfortunately they are not everyone's cup of tea and maybe not a first pet, although I must say that Tia cannot be beaten on cheering me up when I'm down

[IRescue452]

Go with the small mammal. Perhaps you can look on petfinder and find one to rescue in your area. The initial cost of a proper tank will be more than for a small mammal cage and it will take much more time to get it up and running proper.

[Misty_Pearl]

Personally - I would choose a chinchilla as they live the longest of the small furry animals.

[Suki Wingy]

I think a hamster or a gerbil or a guinea pig is a good idea. Make sure she knows and wants it first though to avoid... you know. Most humane societies/shelters make everyone in the family be present when adopting any way. I would not suggest a chinchilla as a first pet. They can be difficult (never had one but knew one and did extensive research when I thought I would be able to get one.) If she can handle it, a rabbit may be good too. I would suggest a calm breed like a dutch.

[Sevaede]

I'd go with fuzzy, personally. Fish are okay, but they're pretty tough to hug/cuddle with when you're in the dumps.(not to mention slimy)

Haha, yeah, I better go with something furry.

[Sevaede]

FURRY! Get her a puppy! They always want to be loved on and played with, and mine sure do cheer me up.

You know, I was thinking about that. I really do believe that she is responsible enough to care for one as well because, well, the blatantly obvious displays of responsibility.

[Roxyluvsme13]

You know, I was thinking about that. I really do believe that she is responsible enough to care for one as well because, well, the blatantly obvious displays of responsibility.

Yay puppies! Of course a bit on the biased side...heh, I say Pomeranians! They're really sweet loving dogs, and they're very furry and cuddly (well at least mine is!)

[Sevaede]

Is a dog or cat an option?

I love guinea pigs I find them so calming to be around but the noise can get to some people.

I think so. It would have to be a small pooch though because the parentals are not fans of big dogs. So, something about the size of a field spaniel or less.

The guinea pig I had was really calm and quiet. He was definitely awesome.

[Sevaede]

furry. Out of what you said,i would go with a Guinea Pig( though i dont know much about them...)

Well, I am going to get her a book and print out some information on whatever I get her PRIOR to actually getting it so she can be prepared. However, her parentals already have two Doxies. One is about five and the other is almost a year.

[Sevaede]

I would choose guinea pig out of that choice. Will this be her first pet? Maybe she'd like a little hamster, they are very straight forward to look after and cute and cuddly too, and maybe a little less difficult to clean out than a guinea pig I would suggest a rat, but unfortunately they are not everyone's cup of tea and maybe not a first pet, although I must say that Tia cannot be beaten on cheering me up when I'm down

Heh, well her parentals already have two Doxies (1 and 5). We've also had a mouse, a guinea pig, and NUMEROUS hamsters. Her parents used to breed hammies. However, her last hammie was not the friendliest and I don't think she would want one. Rats are awesome even though mine was neurotic. What do you think about a gerbil? I've had a gerbil for a week now and he's GREAT.