Go for a dog. Wouldn't you want somebody to wait for you at the door when you come home?
Birds are dumb (heard of the phrase 'bird-brained'?). Cats are very trecherous creatures who only plot about thwir owners' downfall.
I do believe that I will go with your flow. It would be very nice to have something waiting for me at the door when I came home, even if it is only a dog. I least I would still be loved. I agree about the cats as they are basically selfish, they meow nice to get what they want but really only care about themselves. I am in my own little free fall at the moment without the help of a cat. I intend to break out of the cage I reside in and flyaway like a bird. Maybe I am a bird-brain too but I want to be free to start a new life. I am survivor type and I intend to live, face the challenges of life and start a new adventure as I am only passing this way once. I am a tourist.