Best and Worst Pets for Apartment Living

It makes me so sad when I see large dogs living in small apartment homes. Great piece, more people need to realize that they are being selfish when they keep certain creatures confined to smaller spaces.

what a stupid and unfunny article. i thought i was going to read something informative. 20 seconds of my life wasted.

what a stupid article. 30 seconds of my life wasted. not even funny to add insult to injury.

1. The information on hermit crabs is wrong. They need a large space and also like to climb. They also get very large if properly taken care of.
2. Snakes aren't "poisonous". They are venomous. And no, they probably aren't the best for an apartment because it is more difficult to snake-proof a room. There are lots of safety protocols and it's a little more difficult to follow them in an apartment.

Sara Tan doesn't know much about animals.

You can have a big dog in an apartment, you just have to take them out for long walks and runs. A little dog needs just as much exercise. It keeps them young and you young.

The idea that having a small space means you must only get a fish or a crab is the most ridiculous thing I've ever read. However, I WAS in this camp until about 6 years ago.

I always thought living in a small space w/a big dog here in NYC was crazy. Then I found an abandoned dog -- a 2-y-o Lab/Border mix who was about 80lbs. Inviting him into my own home, I quickly realized he needed a lot of exercise. And he gets a ton of it. Probably more than most of the dogs I know that live in the suburbs. I run w/him in the park, take him to the Dog Park almost daily, set up play dates at least once a week with his favorite dogs (some of which don't go to the Dog Park). Recently, I babysat a 120-lb dog (his bestie) who was here in my little NYC apartment with my own 80-lb dog. I thought it'd be crowded...but it wasn't. Not at all. The two kept each other busy, played well, shared the doggy bed, and I didn't feel like I was cramped in my small space. And, btw, both got a ton of exercise and were exhausted most of the day for the week that the 120-lb fella was here.

I'd also like to add, I used to babysit a Springer Spaniel for some friends. The first time they dropped her off, I was warned, "She's very impatient, chews on things in the house, and will never leave you alone." However, in the a.m. I ran her around the block 3x and chased squirrels (on leash) in a local park; in the evening the GF roller-bladed w/her, and at night we went for a quick stroll in the park again. The dog got EXERCISE and didn't chew one thing or act up in ANY way whatsoever whenever it stayed w/me.

Currently, my neighbors down the hall have a Newfoundland and a Husky -- both very happy.

My point is this: This portion of the article was clearly written by someone who's got no experience in this area. No article should discourage people from getting a dog or cat -- however, proper CARE should be the focus.

-K (Buddy Rhodes' poppa)