I have 4 different kinds of pets in my house. I can't give you just one answer so I was unable to vote. But if it will help, I'll tell you something special and not so special about each "type", and maybe that will help you in your report at school.

Dogs: I have big, lovable dogs. They respond to my daughter and myself in ways that the other animals don't. They can travel in the car with us, love to go hiking and swimming, and even though they are large, they still think they can fit in your lap. They are anxious to please you, and want to be with you as much as possible. Dogs are true, loyal friends! The only thing I would change about my dogs if I could is to have them not enjoy barking so much! I will always have a dog or two, at least!

Cats: I have two beautiful cats too. Their personalities are very different. I think cats are wonderful pets because there is nothing more enjoyable than having a purring, snuggly kitty in your lap, or napping by your side, especially when you're feeling blue. We only have one like that! But the other one enjoys life so much, its hard not to love him just as much! He's playful, makes a game out of just about anything he can get his paws on, the wagging of the dogs tail, a plastic ring off the milk jug, a piece of dog food that has fallen on the floor, etc. Cats are independent, so you are less likely to feel so guilty if you have to go away for a day or so. The thing I would change about cats if I could is that you could "train" them as easily as you can a dog. But cats, at least for me, aren't the least bit interested in obedience!! I sort of like their arrogance, as a matter of fact! I will always have at least one cat!

Birds: I have two of those too!! LOL!! We are novice bird owners, having gotten our first Cockatiel about 3 months ago. What a joy he has been! He's smart, he's beautiful, and very social! He wants us to be in the room with him constantly, and sings lovely songs and is anxious to learn to "talk". Birds have long lifespans, much longer than dogs, and in many cases, longer than cats too! These birds can really be lifetime companions! Birds require a lot of attention, even more than I anticipated. And they can be messy. But to me, the good outweighs the bad.

Hamsters: We only have one of those now. And there is nothing cuter than that little fuzzy ball of fur. I prefer a hamster over a gerbil or rat because they don't have long tails. Nothing wrong with long tails, just that it has never appealed to me! Hamsters are curious, active and love to get out of their cage and explore (sometimes when you don't know it ). They love life, love running on their wheel or in the exercise ball and really prefer to be alone, rather than in the company of another hamster. The problem I have with hamsters is that their lifespans are too short, and it is just heartbreaking to lose them after 2-3 years. We probably have our last hamster for that reason.

So, after saying all of this, we have found such a perfect combination of pets, and each one gives us something back. We're lucky to be able to have the combination of pets we have and that we have the time to enjoy each one of them. The cats and dogs get along beautifully. Everyone is happy here, so they don't try to escape. Life is good!!