I personally love little dogs for their energy - although my parents' Border Collie is a tyrant for getting you busy & keeping you that way. They must have terrier in them somewhere.
If you like Macaws, have you read the Viridian Rose, hatchling to fledged, thread? It's a Sticky now [instructional thread & companion ask questions thread] - I found it in the Bird Talk forum.
When I went to an All About Pets Show 2 springs ago, I had a great encounter with a mini Macaw & a Lesser Citron Crested Cockatoo. First one & then the other stole my heart. I almost ran home in my haste to learn everything I could about one or both. I still have yearnings for the Cockatoo
. But I think they would be too much bird for me the rookie. + Age is an issue with me, as I'm in my early 50's. There are a number of members who have benefited from adopting an older bird - that is what I’d like ideally.