Maria...your mom apparantly doesn't know how lucky she's got it....you could have friends over constantly and care nothing for your pet. Try explaining to your mom how teens who are compassionate toward pets grow up to be nicer people. Maybe she did not have a pet growing up. See how much better you will be if you grow up and have kids someday, I am sure they will grow up with pets in the house.

I have a teen and my complaint is all the friends! You could call your pediatrician for some advice also, you can do it confidentially.