I feel limited by the amount of space in my backyard for anything truly cool like an elephant or a lion. However, I feel like I have to pass on the purely cute animals like a koala bear or Keira Knightly and go for something useful. I think it's between a wolf or a dolphin. Let's break it down.

Dolphin Jumping in Wake

Wolf - Pros: With the wolf you get everything you would in a dog, plus if you don't like your neighbors you could send the wolf to take care of matters. Nothing stops a rowdy party like a hungry wolf. Cons: Messy legal situation. Messy dog run situation if the wolf brings prey back home. Would need to set clear family, friend boundaries with wolf.

Dolphin - Pros: This is a tough one because I'm not a fan of dolphins in a tank. Part of me died a little after seeing dolphins at an animal park once. I'm used to seeing them swim free in the Pacific while I've been surfing. I'm thinking of more like a pal to hang out with sort of situation with the dolphin. Perhaps help keep an eye out for sharks while surfing. Give rides to my kids while we're at the beach. Cons: Can only visit when we are near the ocean. Unsure of dolphin leash laws.

I think the dolphin wins by a nose mainly based on the likelihood of being charged with manslaughter with owning a wolf.