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

327 replies

EllieMumsnet · 14/01/2019 15:01

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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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Mumsnet users share how their pet is part of the family with Animal Friends Insurance
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22
ScienceIsTruth · 22/01/2019 00:10

I've had pets for almost all my life. The ones we have atm are complete characters and are always there to listen when you've had a bad day, and love nothing more than snugglng on your lap under a blanket.

Pillowaddict · 22/01/2019 00:41

I have a cat and a dog, both of whom I love very much, our cat is more independent but has a special sleeping place next to my pillow. My dog is just a sweetheart, sleeps snuggled in between us in bed, curls up next to me (or favoured visitors) in the lounge, and literally follows me every time I leave the room. She's incredibly loving and gentle natured, especially when playing with dc. They're both members of the family with very different personalities and roles, both loved dearly.

michael888 · 22/01/2019 01:04

My family has two Maltese dogs who are very much members of our family. We worry about them all of the time - are they eating enough, are they healthy, are they happy?

We see that they're provided with nutritious meals, make sure they are exercised and have play time and given lots of love.

They are very much part of our family and they give us much love and enjoyment in return.

tompob · 22/01/2019 07:15

Sammy ( belguim shep and collie cross) is 14, the boys (7) and Jess 3, at first we were unsure even though sam had never shown any signs of aggression, but boy he is so protective of the kids and is always at the side of 1 i not the 3, he isnt allowed in bedrooms, but sleeps outside the boys room. He is sucha big part of our family

littledarkage · 22/01/2019 10:48

Because last night I gave my cat my water bottle, sacrificing myself (he didn't even use it properly).

BL0SS0M · 22/01/2019 11:13

Our pets are def part of the family! When we had dogs they came everywhere with us and were a huge loss when they died..the house felt so empty! Our cats are great company too and love curling up beside us on the sofa! It’s been lovely to have pets growing up the same time as our kids as they have a great bond

kittykomp · 22/01/2019 11:14

she is one of us and we celebrate birthdays :)

HoofWankingSpangleCunt · 22/01/2019 11:53

My dog came to us after my fiancé died. He has been the most wonderful thing to happen to me after the births of my children. He has a place in my heart and in my bed which no one can ever replace. Having my dog snuggled up to me in the night is very comforting and I endeavour to show him as much unconditional love as he shows me. I try to make every day special for him but his birthday in particular is a big day in our house. He has a party hat and a dog food "cake" and lots of toys. I heart my little Diego.

SuzCG · 22/01/2019 13:03

I had a budgie when I lived on my own. It loved me dearly, used to sit on my head or shoulder all the time and groom my hair. If I was talking to anyone on the phone it would sit on my shoulder and tap the receiver so I couldn't hear anyone speak! When my boyfriend (now husband) started to visit it used to dive bomb him the minute he came anywhere near me! Funny little thing it was...

lovemyflipflops · 22/01/2019 13:30

Has your pet been there through milestones in your life?

My 13 year old chocolate golden retriever Pixie has been there through good and bad, my friend, the best listener, and is always pleased to see me - no matter what day I have had and what my mood. He did not mind when my DS came along and he took second place in my life,

If so which ones? Do you celebrate your pet’s birthday every year?

Yes I celebrate his birthday, we had a birth certificate from the breeder, and every May 5th he gets a card and his favourite tea.

Perhaps he/she has their own special spot on the sofa or even on your bed?

No he sleeps anywhere, normally at the top of the stairs (that's his vantage point for the whole house.

What about when it comes to holidays?

He comes with us of course - we always pick a dog friendly caravan park.

Do you ensure your destination is pet friendly too so they can come along?

Yes I have a couple of favourite locations, I think it's great for him to make new friends on holiday too.

Or maybe you are thorough in ensuring they have regular vet and/or grooming appointments?

He has boosters, and a once over from the vet every year, and goes to the groomers every 8 weeks or so. I would love to be able to clip him myself to save me time and money.

deano777 · 22/01/2019 13:34

My dogs are definantly part of our family. They sit on the sofa with us. cuddle us and I talk to them all the time. They love my children to bits and always go and check on them when they are upset.
I cannot imagine my life without them.

bikerclaire · 22/01/2019 13:52

Our cat Lily is a big fluffball and tucks us in at night! She didn't know what to make of our daughter when she came along but now that Beth is 2 they are getting on much better, with Lily often showing Beth that she trusts her by closing her eyes and turning her head when she's getting fuss. Beth is also very careful around Lily, I'm always telling her to treat her like the lovely lady she is!

Helsbells68 · 22/01/2019 14:25

Our old deaf cat has had attachment issues since we lost his brother several years ago. We cannot go on holiday unless he can come with us and if we go out for the day he lets us know when we get home.

phillie1 · 22/01/2019 18:17

The only thing in the house that is always pleased to see me, whatever their mood, and doesnt answer back!

mamof3boys · 22/01/2019 19:20

I have a chocolate Labrador and she is very much part of our family. She comes on holiday with us every year and always go to dog friendly places on our days out.

Cailin7 · 22/01/2019 20:04

we have a Yorkshire terrier who is definitely one of the family. his preferred spot on the sofa is whichever seat someone has just got up from (he is cheeky and likes a warm spot)

sarah861421 · 22/01/2019 20:10

Absolutely but I would never prioritise them over the children, We have 2 cats, one dog and an adorable amazing kitten who is my world, but at the end of the day the children are far more important

BrieAndChilli · 22/01/2019 20:43

We only got pets for the first time last summer. We finally relented and got guinea pigs.
I’m not a big animal person but they quickly grew on me and I quite enjoy chatting to them!

Nicole1709 · 22/01/2019 20:44

He has his own TV shows that we put on for him every day, he loves it!

jandoc · 22/01/2019 20:48

my sister's pet is more of a family member as the lovely little doggie is always popping into our house

Blainalass · 22/01/2019 21:04

I spend more time with our dog than almost anyone and talk to her a lot! She is definitely part of the family.

EmNix · 22/01/2019 22:01

My dog was part of the family. A friendly face, loving and just Adorable. Days out planned had to be pet friendly. Walking a great form of exercise for all the family.

samosh22 · 22/01/2019 22:12

She's much loved by all

sunshinewey · 23/01/2019 00:38

We treat her in this way, I take my Ruby absolutely everywhere i go she is my constant companion, we wrap her a christmas pressie, I take lots of time giving her a healthy diet, and love her by keeping her lovely and clean and regular flea, etc, She is beautiful and definately like one of my actual children, love her....

BasiliskStare · 23/01/2019 01:49

When my son's grandmother died , he , as a young teenager , was upset. Our eldest dog just sat by him and put his paw on my son's leg whilst my son was trying not to cry. Call me silly , but no-one can convince me that that dog did not know my son was upset and just sat with him to be comforting.

Not sure if that is what you are after , but I will never forget that.