Evermore said:

Bunnies are great

I breed Netherland Dwarfs and Holland Lops, and they are lovely

Make sure to get one from a responsible breeder, and that the bun is litter box trained.

We also have 4 mixed breed siblings (all spayed/neutered). They are super sweet (took me about 2 weeks for them to get to like me, I can pick all of them up now easily). I believe they are Rex x Californian crosses. Not entirely sure (they are meat breed bunnies, but they are pets, not rabbits that we eat).

Argos said:

I agree with Evermore, you shouldn't get a dog without your parent's consent. The dog doesn't deserve that.
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If you already have Penelope and you are just panicked because she's getting older and your mom doesn't want another dog, ask her why. If its because they shed, get a hypoallergenic breed like a West Highland White Terrier. If they bark a lot, get a breed that rarely barks. If its because they are expensive then get one from the pound. If its because they have too many health issues, get a mix.

Just ask her why not another dog and then research to find a solution to your mom's displeasure with this species. Put the work into this because it shows that you are responsable enough to take care of this animal. It also shows that you really, really want this and you've devoted your time and energy. Train Penelope to do more than just the simpel sit, stay, down, heel. Have her go through hoops if she can handle that. Train her in agility even. Show that you are responsable for another one and that you truly do love them. Words won't cut it, actions will.

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If all that fails, wait a couple days or weeks so you don't come off as whiny. Then ask if they'd let you have a ferret but only after researching the species. Ferrets are very needy creatures. If you see that they aren't for you because your schedule won't fit or your parents say no, then wait some more then ask for a lizard but only after researching the breed you want and their needs.

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Still no? Ask again the question of 'why?' but know that sometimes you just have to roll with your parent's choices. Sometimes you win other times you loose. Sometimes you just have to accept that. Think about the affect of loss of this dog might cause to your family. Some people heal faster than others. Try to be consinderate about others.

Argos said:

You're welcome. I hope that everything works out well for both you, your parents and your dog

Evermore said:

Penelope is young correct? You shouldn't have to worry about that for at least 8 years and by then you'll be an adult and able to make your own choices.

Another tip if you want a purebred dog with less health issues go for a working line. Unless you plan on showing a dog, never do show lines. Always go for working lines.

Spend as much time as possible with penelope, walk her, talk to her, have her with you, learn about things you can do for her for fun, tricks you can teach her, etc. To show your parents that you really love Penelope (and also because it's great for bonding to her!)

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Bunnies are pretty low maintenance unlike ferrets (they are adorable, but need lots of care, often more than a dog!). Rabbits you need to spend time with and hold everyday, keep their cage clean and food and water topped and give hay to them and that's pretty much it!

I'm not sure about other breeds but I know Netherland dwarves can have parasites, but they are easily treated. I'm not sure what your mom is talking about with 'diseases'. Obviously you don't go pet a wild bunny, but hand raised responsibly bred bunnies are normally quite healthy. I'm around my buns everyday and I'm still kicking it so...

Lol

Evermore said:

Ah okay, I was under the impression that you were a minor. Sorry about that!

In that case I think you should consider moving out so that you have more say in your life.