system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
[Pokemon] Hey I'm looking for a pet pokemon for my son and I have a few questions

My son is turning eight in a few months and he's been begging me for a Pokemon. I never had one growing but I think it would be a good experience for him. Let me be clear: he wants one for a pet not for fighting. Honestly, my wife and I aren't even sure if we feel like Pokemon fighting is ethical. Seems a bit cruel. My son is a bit obsessed with Pikachus but I'm afraid of him getting accidentally electrocuted by it. I also hear Growlithes are popular but I'm also afraid of him getting set on fire. So we were leaning towards a normal type like Meowth that should be less dangerous. Or are we overreacting? My wife's grandfather, who used to be a gym leader, says we're coddling him too much and there's nothing to worry about. So what Pokemon should I get my son as a pet.
gpt
Honestly, typing isn't as important as temperament. Of the three you mentioned, Meowth is the most temperamental and if your son is super young it's not the wisest pet to get since the claws will come out if your kid pulls its tail or something. A Pikachu on the other hand, when upset, is more likely to let out a static shock than anything dangerous. Growlithe are easy to train and very friendly, but can be very aggressive towards strangers. They're police Pokemon for a reason.