Our children left home many years ago and we've always had cats and a few dogs. Over the last few years we've both come to realise that with no family near us we treat our two remaining cats like surrogate kids (we even call them the kids). We are at their beck and call, have to be home to feed at regular intervals, pander to their every whim, do their washing (one in particular who has some behavioural and toiletting issues) and are generally as tied to them as when our actual boys were here. The only difference being we can't ring them up and tell them to get something out of the freezer for their tea or that we'll be home late and make sure they go to bed on time 
Is it just us or are all pet owners as daft?
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Pets
Ours is spoilt rotten.this is Reuben trying to get his Christmas presents.
If I knew then what I know how I might have bypassed the 'kids' and gone straight to dogs! My reasoning is that it not acceptable to shut the kids in the kitchen with a bone while you go out for a couple of hours 
and they are a lot less expensive.
Our children haven't flown very far( and seem to be back in the nest a lot!)
But whenever I see a dachsund or a ginger cat I want one too.
Marmark1 Aw, your doggie looks so cute. Yorkies have a reputation for being little snappers but ours isn't, she wouldn't hurt a fly.
Anya I fully agree. My doggie doesn't argue with me, or give me cheek, ask for computers or lavish parties, is delighted to see me every day, even sits outside the bathroom door (although the kids have done this too, ). But like you say, I can go out and leave her alone for a while, can't do that with a toddler, although I did try but they escaped the cupboard!
Merlot I'm glad that Peggy is feeling so much better already, a few treats later, no doubt, 
Willow500 We lost a dog to a car when I was a child (Rascal), but it's awful for the driver to claim comp for damage to his car, cheeky devil!
rosesarered- I have our 16 year old dachsie snoring right next to me on the settee
and our 17 year od Pudding sleeping on my bed upstairs waiting for us to go and join her (after a cuddle she goes off to her own bed).
When they go- we will have a 'rest' of about 1 year so we can do some trips we've planned for a long time (back to South Africa and also to Australia and Tasmania) then it will be time for another dog and cat- slways will be older pets and rescue.
Here is old Slinky on his ski hols last year- from the Tatler, no less!! Still going strong, about 16/17 now- sleeps a lot, but loves his cuddles and food and walks in the pram- and romps in the Church grounds, on the flat and with no obstacle.
We call ourselves mummy & daddy to our Springer Spaniel and I sometimes carry her like a baby.
Never thought I'd become so sad. 
Always had cats and no, they were not children replacements. But have recently got a cocker spaniel pup. Am absolutely besotted! My children say they never had as much attention!!
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