Another baby or a puppy?! Can a pet ever replace that potential extra child?

[Nona1234]

We have two young children and have been contemplating a third on and off for a few months. I'm approaching 40 and it feels like a now or never type thing, especially if we don't want a large age gap.

I know this has been done to death on this forum (!) but I'm interested in hearing opinions from people who went for that third baby and those who decided not to. Our lives are finally becoming easier and we're extremely lucky that our two kids are healthy - not a given with our family history. Is it worth another roll of the genetic dice or should we call it quits and I pour my extra maternal feelings into a puppy?!

A third child would mean an upheaval for us as we may need to move house and get a new car. Financially it would be tight but doable. I can't shake the feeling that someone is missing but would that be filled with a pet? That's the AIBU really. Pets are easier than children - emotionally and financially - but can they ever temper that feeling of wanting another child?

Thoughts on a postcard please!

I would rather have triplets than a puppy. I love dogs, but you are definitely underestimating how hard it is. At least with kids you can teach them to shit on the toilet, a dog will do its business on your rug while staring you dead pan in the face.
Go for the third DC.

This is such a highly individual feeling/choice, so very difficult for anyone to advise you, OP.

Personally, the thought of three children makes my insides recoil (we have two). We did get a kitten, however, and he is the absolute apple of my eye and I have so much more patience for that little dude than the kids!

The pet is an absolute red herring here. Love your children with all your maternal love. Personally, I wouldn’t have a third with the risks you have pointed out, but that’s your choice.

Choosing to have an animal is an entirely unrelated choice.