Why not a dog? I know people who have dogs, cats, parrots, etc. Dogs are friendly and fun, and not the halachic complications you think. It’s true that in NY people are down on dogs, but that’s no reason for the rest of us to think that way.
R’ Neuwirth’s sefer Shmirath Shabbath K’Hilchatha talks in detail about how to take care of a dog on Shabbos. I had a dog myself once and asked that shailah about a brachah. My rav thought it was OK. Evidently some others don’t. When in doubt ask your own rav, don’t take any second-hand prejudice that drifted in from the Promised Land of Brooklyn. If you like dogs, by all means have one. And the smile it will put on your face will help you be mekayem “sever ponim yafos.”