Jim ,
in Madrid there is a definite preference for dogs . Where I live there are lots of cats but they are feral and you´d be well advised not to go near them .. very agressive . They live in the nearby park , and venture into the residential areas to get scraps of food .
Birds ( such as canaries ) are very popular .. especially with the older generation . They put the cages out on their balconies and you can hear the sad calls of a trapped bird . Birds need freedom !
The famous American author and poet , Maya Angelou , wrote a poem called " I know why the caged bird sings " Very beautiful :

A free bird leaps on the back of the wind
and floats downstream till the current ends
and dips his wing in the orange suns rays and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks down his narrow cage
can seldom see through his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings with a fearful trill
of things unknown but longed for still
and his tune is heard on the distant hill
for the caged bird sings of freedom.

The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn and he names the sky his own.

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings with a fearful trill
of things unknown but longed for still
and his tune is heard on the distant hill
for the caged bird sings of freedom