I don't think you can clearly define what a boy or a girl likes. The opinions differ from person to person depending on their personality. But if you are talking in general terms, the boy likes more physical stuff (thanks to those hormones xD) like sports and more demanding stuff (which also includes games). Studies have showed that men in general get excited watching violence prone movies like Goodfellas, Godfather etc. Although later studies have shown that men also like romantic stuff, but only when in the mood. Romantic stuff includes (my personal opinion), nice weather at night, a little windy and a full moon

Women on the other hand, are clearly from Planet Venus. One day they are all mushy, the next day, they kick ur ass so badly (personal experience). Although you can lower their defenses by giving them simple things like bouquet of roses, a simple card displaying affection or like things (unless she is a spoiled beeyatch). My advice concerning women is contact the ones that are around you. Your mother, sister, friend or girlfriend. Take the most opinions, bundle them together and there you have it.
As for the pet's name, Pika-Pika. I heard it once in an anime, don't know which but found it kind of cute. But it was a person that was referred by that name. Ikkaku maybe?

I think so...