Mumsnet users share how their pet is part of the family with Animal Friends Insurance

[EllieMumsnet]

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Whether you have a dog, a cat, a parrot, a guinea pig or even a tortoise, it’s safe to say that they are more than just pets. From being your side through new chapters in your life to growing up with your children and even acting as surrogate children to some, pets are a integral member of many families. That’s why Animal Friends Insurance would like to know how your pet is a member of your family.

Here’s what Animal Friends Insurance has to say: "With almost no effort at all, pets manage to bring so much joy into our lives. They make us laugh, comfort us when we’re sick or upset, and are always there for us no matter what. It’s no wonder that an estimated 12 million British households choose to keep a pet. We’ve compiled some free, downloadable guides here about pets and their development which you may find useful. As new members of our families they make fantastic companions. How has your pet benefitted your life?"

Watch this video here:

Has your pet been there through milestones in your life? If so which ones? Do you celebrate your pet’s birthday every year? Perhaps he/she has their own special spot on the sofa or even on your bed? What about when it comes to holidays? Do you ensure your destination is pet friendly too so they can come along? Or maybe you are thorough in ensuring they have regular vet and/or grooming appointments?

No matter how your pet is part of the family, post it on the thread below and everyone who posts will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 voucher of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw.
MNHQ

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[BristolMum96]

Always had pets throughout my life, mainly cats. They're there for you throughout anything and everything and love you unconditionally. Better than most people!

[NewModelArmyMayhem18]

I think they're all very different but make a huge contribution to family life in so many ways.

We had one cat (sadly no longer with us) who very much felt like the fifth member of our family. She was a great character and very vocal. At the same time she was very loving and affectionate too. DD in particular grew up with her as a feline sister. She is still missed deeply.

[ButterflyOfFreedom]

I used to have a budgie as a pet as a child which looking back was quite hard to make a 'part of the family' as such. There is now a dog in the family who is much more lovable & loyal and because you can do more with it (walks, playing, stroking, bathing etc) it just seem more like a member of the family than a budgie ever did!

[sharond101]

My dog saw me through very poor health and has a sixth sense of knowing when I don't feel myself. She seems me out and follows me around. Snuggles onto my lap and into my legs as I get on with teams at home.

[torthecatlady]

Our two rescue cats are definitely a huge part of our family. We have fertility issues, so our two cats are spoilt rotten. My step son loves them and they sleep with him at night.
They bring us so much happiness and are very cwtchy.

[mollysmammy]

My cat has helped me get through some very stressful situations which have caused me severe anxiety amongst other things. I know some people might find it 'pointless', but when you just need to talk without anyone giving you their opinions or advice (I do appreciate my friends and family's support), get it out, have a sob, and have a cuddle and a bit shared affection she's always there, we have a wonderful bond. I truly believe that she gives me more than I could ever give her, a little furry therapist

[voyager50]

When I was little we always had a cat and they always felt like part of the family.

These days I live in a second floor flat so don't have pets but I often take my friends dog for a walk and I find it very relaxing and I enjoy his company - it can also be very good for stress relief as he is such a happy dog!

[Caillou]

We used to have 2 bunnies when dh and I got together, they were our first commitments,
They were with us when we became parents for the 1st and 2nd time

[asuwere]

We don't have a pet just now but my parents have a dog - the DC always speak about visiting the dog's house rather than grandparent's. DC make birthday/Christmas cards for dog. She's never forgotten about and definitely an important part of our family.

[Christmasfairy07]

We had a beautiful tri colour rough collie when I was about 13 who lived to be 14 & a half. Best dog in the world! The only time I can remember my DB crying was when our doggy was put to sleep 😢 I had guineapigs aged 10 which were great for me & DB as we had to do all the cleaning etc. Also had 2 gerbils as a small child which used to escape loads & I remember building tunnels out of dictionaries etc.
We got 2 rabbits for DD in the summer & I am so glad we did. Really thought I wouldn’t be bothered about them but I love them to bits. When we bring them inside to play, it really brings us together as a family. They have such funny little ways & are proper characters.

[Aprilshowersarecomingsoon]

Our ddogs have moulded my ds into an empathetic, loving little soul.
A doggy home makes for a special dc ime.

[Gumbo]

I have 3 cats, and I swear the soppy ginger Tom runs our entire household. He sleeps on my pillow, and when he wants to be cuddled in the night if he hasn't succeeded in waking me up by purring he chews on my ponytail - then when I turn my head to try to catch him at it he has a look of complete denial on his face, normally while pointing to his sister to try to attribute the blame to her!

[Sleavercole123]

My daughter can’t sleep if her cat, Amber, is not snuggled up beside her

[CopperPan]

Our dog has helped my DS2 in so many ways, as he has SN and they have an amazing bond which he could never develop with another human. We see him as part of the family and always involve him in special events, days out and holidays etc.

[user1496959500]

Our pets are full contributing members of our family... they provide us eggs daily!

[cheekychicken24]

Our two rescue dogs are definitely family. They get presents, go on the sofas, and are loved & spoilt!

We went away for Christmas for the first time this year instead of hosting for the rest of the family, & we stayed in a dog friendly cottage in the Lakes. We ate in dog friendly pubs, went on dog friendly boats, & had a lovely time!

The only time we'd planned to leave the dogs was for Christmas lunch - we'd booked to eat in the restaurant of a rather posh hotel, so took the dogs for a long walk on Christmas day morning so they'd snooze while we went out. Unfortunately, Ronnie managed to find & eat a bit of manky old bone in the woods on the walk. Since we didn't know if it was raw or cooked & if there would be any repercussions, we knew we needed to keep a close watch on him & not leave him in the cottage.

We rang the hotel to cancel, & they offered to serve our meal in the dog-friendly bar rather than the restaurant. If eating a £120 Christmas lunch in a cramped noisy bar instead of a luxurious restaurant doesn't mean dogs are family, I don't know what does!

[POFuserred]

My dog was chosen by me and the kids when they were 8 and 10 years old from a rescue home as a 9 week old puppy. We used to take her up to the fields and trained her recall with bits of ham in our pockets. She was always slightly mad and used to go off running through the woods until one day to our horror she managed to impale herself on a piece of wood. Luckily we were able to carry her back to the car and get her to the emergency vets where she was treated successfully having had a very lucky escape. Years later she's now 11 1/2 years old and much more sensible. There's only me and her left now as I've divorced and both kids are at university. I look at her curled up next to me on the sofa and wonder what on Earth life will be like without her.

[Theimpossiblegirl]

Our rescue dog is one of the family. He's the only one pleased to see me when I get home from work (mum of teens lol).

[alwaysdressedinyellow]

My dog is definitely part of the family. He comes on holiday with us, takes over the sofa, is the first one to greet me when I get home and has a special place in my heart.

On his birthday he has a party with his dog-friends and a special cake.

[MrsFrTedCrilly]

Was never allowed much more than a goldfish as a child. Always wanted a cat, moggie has managed to bring solace in the way that no fish ever could. She always gets a birthday cake and Christmas gift.

[oxcat1]

My cats (CPL rescues) are my family. I think we rescued each other: after a tough relationship breakdown and starting again totally alone somewhere new, they taught me that I could love, and be loved, once again.

[kateandme]

pets are the bestest friends you could ever wish for.
they are loyal.ok ok dogs its all about dogs.they re the best.i believe they are good for everything you need.friendship.mentl health.kindness.fun.exercise.life really.
Has your pet been there through milestones in your life?yes my first grew up with me.she ws like my sister and my best friend.we did everything together.she ws my shadow right up until she left us.the vet even said on her ill health when she was older that he was afraid she wasn't leaving because she didn't want to leave me in grief!
If so which ones?illness.she used to sit with me in times of need.she used to sit with me when I had my seizures and would drag me to safety if I had fallen badly.then lick and try to rouse me as soon as she could.she could tell when I was going to become ill and would follow me around.all my other normal milestones growing up too shes been part of it.
Do you celebrate your pet’s birthday every year?yes.and she joined in when we sang.weirdo.
Perhaps he/she has their own special spot on the sofa or even on your bed?special spot shhhhhh(don't tell mum and dad) was sneking up by my bedside.she also hd her spot behind the sofa.and in the hallway with her nose just peeping round the kitchen door.(dinner ready yet)?
What about when it comes to holidays? Do you ensure your destination is pet friendly too so they can come along?always in the uk.we would take her everywhere.if not there was always family to look after her or we wouldn't do it.we never liked to get to the point of kennels we didn't like the idea of that.
Or maybe you are thorough in ensuring they have regular vet and/or grooming appointments? she bloody hated the vets.you said the name efore we left the house and youd be in trouble.she was awful and refused to enter the place!

[Laney79]

My rescue dog Lenny (a lurcher boy) is a huge part of our family. He makes us laugh daily. He has his issues as he's reactive but he's worth all the hassle (and indeed the broken nose when he pulled me over chasing a cat) as the house would be so empty without him. 2018 was an awful year for me as I had two miscarriages, but throughout Len was there for a cuddle and to make me get up and walk even when I felt like giving up. We adore him. X

[JC4PMPLZ]

Growing up, my dog was my best friend and he slept on the same bed as me and was fully part of the family. Now, I have cats. i feel they are, even after only a few months, an important part of the family. I feel sick deep in my stimach if they dont come in when I call, i prepare food for them when I am preparing food for the family. I give them scraps. I talk to them all the time. How could they not be my babies? Mind you one if them brought me a worm, into my bed, this morning....lnot sure they quite get it.

[IToldYouIWasFreaky]

My 11 year old calls our elderly ginger cat his "furry brother". The cat is a recent and much loved addition to the household. DS absolutely dotes on him and gives him lots of care and attention which is lovely to see.