Anonymous wrote:Gee, before I had kids and only had a dog, one of my friends used to tell me that at least her kids would grow up to use the potty, pour cereal, and entertain, themselves. I never once compared my dog to a child - she had a beloved dog before kids and understood my investment without me ever thinking what I did was as hard as having kids.
You want to know the greatest difference between you and her? She will have to bury her beloved in her lifetime, guaranteed.
I'm glad my friend taught me that there are many ways to love and have a family. Your kids are not the end all, you know?
Sorry, quoted poster. I meant to say "her" as far as your friend.
Also, I have kids now, but the hole in my heart left from my daily companion of 13 years passing is something I'm not sure I'll ever get over. Love is love, whether it's for a human, or an animal. Yes, you're raising humans, which is a totally different ball game, but don't think that for some people, the love and responsibility that they extend to their animal companions isn't all encompassing the way that you feel.