I believe it all depends on the person, and no one person's idea of "pet" is better or worse than any others. Some people get a lot of enjoyment out of watching animals learn and interact. Some people get emotional satisfaction from the bond they can develope with cetain animals. Some people find their fulfillment in providing the best possible care for any animal, no matter what it is. Some people want pets for no other reason than they are interesting to look at...like fish.

I don't think there's anything wrong with desiring an animal because it is intelligent. Nor do I think there's something "wrong" with someone because they can't understand or relate to my enjoyment of snakes. I personally don't get why some people like to keep tarantulas or scorpions or bugs. Doesn't mean there's anything wrong with them or with me.