Thanks for the replies.

I want to make sure the pet we get is fine with being played with, and is awake during the day so my nephew can play with them.

Guinea pigs sound cute, I don't have too much experience with them.

The thing is with a dog, is that now that I'm in a wheelchair, I don't think I'd be able to walk it (unless I somehow tied the leesh to the wheelchair, and I don't see how that would work). If we get a dog, I want to make sure it doesn't need to be walked too often.

I'm sure the local SPCA would have an evaluation period- I can look into that. I'm not too sure about the puppy either (it's boys, not girls, by the way).

I'm a little hesitant with a cat, because I know a lot of cats don't respond well to being picked up all the time. My friend told me Siamese cats are a playful breed though- but I really don't know much about cats.

I'm a big rat fan myself, I know they're very bright- but are they awake during the day?

My girlfriend said she thought a reptile would be too dangerous. I like rabbits... but I heard somewhere they're very smelly I think?