pet suggestions

[newtron]

As most of you know, my wife and I recently moved from the US.  Unfotunately, we had to leave our dog and cat with my parents.  The plan was to fly them over here at some point, but at this time we just don't have enough money and I don't know when we will.  We really miss our pets!  We were thinking about getting a pet here, but it would have to have a relatively short life span (we are moving back to the US in 4 years).  Can anybody suggest a good pet that we can interact with similar to a dog with a average life span of 2 to 3 years?  A rat sounds like it might be perfect.  Any other suggestions?

[Little Lady]

Hamsters, gerbils etc and rats of course but there is nothing you will get quite like a dog for that amount of time really, we have hamsters and you can get some really great cages with mazes and piping, they are really tame if you get them out regularly and usually live around 2 years, if you were to get more than one hamster then dont get syrian as they cannot be together after 12 weeks i think it is as they get territorial. Soorry this may not be what you want to know im just gabbling.....

[newtron]

Thanks, I know there is nothing quite like a dog.  I had had friend who's rat came when he was called and went for walks outside.  So, I think I'm leaning towards a rat.  How about Ferrets?  They seem to have  cool personalities.  How long do they live?

[Englishbird]

why not get an older rescue dog or cat? Something that others may not want so that it can live the last few years of it's life with a family that love it.

[kick3m0n]

If you can face losing a pet at the end of it's life....Englishbirds idea is lovely.  It would be difficult though, but maybe worth while, knowing how huge a difference you made to the older pets last years.

I've had rats in the past.....they can learn sooooo much and are terrific pets.  They can be litter trained, respond to their names, swim, go walkies, they can do loads!  Smarter than a lot of dogs I've known, to be honest.  A friend has ferrets, lovely animals but the smell is very much an acquired taste........

[Shipstabber]

Have you considered fostering dogs?  Lots of rescue associations need foster homes for dogs that are scared in the kennels or need more socialising with humans. You wouldn't have any dog long enough to get too attached when you have to return to the US and there would be no vets bills.

[newtron]

Thanks for the suggestions.  There are some good ideas that I had not thought about.

[Solarjunkie]

There is a "dogshare" organisation called www.borrowadog.com that you might find interesting. The Cinnamon Trust, too. www.cinnamon.org.uk