Ok.....well im looking for a new dog. I want a pit but my parents wont let me live while i live at home.....and it will be a few years til i move out....all i have to pay is for shop electric and fix my parents cars (so i cant complain and the everything i need is close by) so those are out even though i really like em. I want a larger dog. I take them out almost everyday. I like to rollerblade alot so i give them a goodwork out ;p anyways im looking at possibly a black lab (european), boxer,bullmastiff,doberman,great dane ret. greayhound. QUOTE]
You can't go wrong choosing a dog, they are great companions when properly raised. There are SO many cool breeds and mixes and pure muts out there....not one good cat though.
If you want a pit, work on educating your parents...especially if they're cool with everything you mentioned...they're just one of the many that are paranoid by the media. I'm sure Eric would help you educate if you asked. I personally had never considered owning one until joining this board....he's a nut

... but he's convinced me to get one in the future.