Well I don't think that you really should get a 'pet' (yet). Maybe you could use setup a Cichlid Aquarium http://cichlid.infocrux.com/Cichlid-Aquarium.html, http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/cichlid/first.php

If you need something more fury there always are hamsters. http://www.hamsterific.com/SelectingAHamster.cfm

(For the record, I have the highest-maintenance sort of pets, three kids, who all want additional pets)