Hamsters aren't much fun. They are nocturnal and sleep all day. A friend has a guinea pig and enjoys her very much. They like to be held and develop a personality all their own. It's a little expensive to set up - need proper cage, feeding dishes, water supply etc. They don't have a long life span but are fun to have in the meantime.

How about a parakeet? I've had a few and they are great company. I always left the cage door open and the bird had the run of the place. Just threw a towel over the cage at night. One time my husband was away on business and I woke up in the middle of the night with a stomach bug. keep me running back and forth to the bathroom. After one such trip, I return to my bedroom and see something move on the floor. I think mouse! Well, I turn the light on to discover my little darling blue parakeet. I bend down and he jumps onto my finger and then shoulder. His favorite spot. Now I can only surmise that somehow this little 2 oz ball of feathers sensed that I was in distress and came to comfort me. Mine you he had to push the towel aside and fly down a darkened long hallway to fine me. Loved that bird with all my heart...good luck to you !

There are a lot of cat and dog rescues that pair older pets with senior citizens. Some of them cover veterinary care for the pet and they will take the pet back if things don't work out, you can no longer care for it, or in the even of the person's death.

This is a wonderful win/win arrangement for older pets that get overlooked by adopters and for senior citizens who want the love and companionship a pet can offer but have no one to care for the pet if they get sick or die.