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

[EllieMumsnet]

This activity is now closed

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

Standard Insight T&Cs Apply

I was in my 40s when we got our first cat, a shy rescue girl. It became obvious very soon that we had had a cat shaped hole in our lives without realising it.

Our dogs have always been loved like one of our own DC. Our third son was named 'Jake' after our beloved dog who passed away aged 16 and my DH has got his portrait tattooed on his arm in memory.

Got a puppy last year and she's so part of the family now.snuggles up to us in the sofa and is just always so happy!

Ringo my boxer is the love of our lives we have never had a dog like him so much fun but so cuddly and loveable he is my best friend and makes our family whole a life without pets is a lesser one

My cats, all six have completely different personalities. I have many conversations with them, they are all spoilt and loved. My kids have said as each one of them left home I replaced them with a cat. Apart from the youngest I got two when she went. I would not be without them the oldest cat is 16 the two youngest are sister's they are five months old and can't be apart from each other for long. They eat together, use the litter tray together and sleep in each other's paws. They are my furry babies.

We have a cat. For many years I had a cat growing up as a child. He died when I was eighteen years old my mom told me. I want my children to learn how to love animals as well as people.

I have grown up with animals, my first memory is laying in a pram/pushchair and pulling at ginger fur. It was my parents cat until he died when I was 2. I got a pup when I was three and I can remember putting her in my coat to keep warm.
My mum called all the animals her babies and kisses any new arrivals everyday. I have two dogs and my cat who is 20, she was born when I was 15 under my parents bed. Our pets are family, we have plans for their ashes to accompany ours when the time comes.

I don’t like the word pet, I prefer family member or familiar.

We have always had cats & I love, love, LOVE them! They are largely independent, are quite happy to please themselves for most of the day - but they come for a snuggle whenever any of us sit down & they just ask for regular food, water & litter tray cleaning.. not too much to ask really but what they give us in return :)
Pets in general are great for teaching us about mindfulness - just being in that moment. My cats are a great reminder for me to do this every day - I stop what I'm doing, sit with them & give them a big fuss! It's great for me & for them too! I'd be lost without them, they are as HUGE part of our family!

My 2 cats are the most comforting, joy-giving presence in my life! I live by myself and having someone to come home to, who is pleased to see me because it's teatime and who like snuggles and do crazy things occasionally, has been probably the most important thing in adjusting to life by myself. I try not to think of them as surrogate children but there's definitely a desire to nurture that is met in them. They eat better than I do - because I want the bed for them. All part of the definition of what it means to be family I think. And I miss them if I go away for more than 3-4 days.

The dog is companionship and healthy walks, the cat is unconditional love- caring for a cat that clearly only cares about herself, the gerbils are duty- caring for an animal even when you have lost interest. All our pets enhance our family life in a lovely way.

My dd aged 6 has a tortoise that is 100% part of the family, she adores her. Dd has some issues and whenever anything gets too much for her she takes herself off for a cuddle with Lola. She sewed her a stocking for Christmas and was far more interested i helping her open her presents than she was about her own. She comes everywhere with us in her carry case (When warm and sunny). Dd calls her her daughter and says she won't have children of her own so they don't disturb the tortoise! The only thing she wants in the world is another tortoise!

The sheer joy that our cockapoo brings every day is immeasurable ❤️

Our 8 year old dog Barney is definitely a member of the family. We had owned three dogs previously, both Rough Collies and have always loved dogs. Where our previous dogs were huge, Barney is very small and of a very different character, quite demanding where the rough collies seemed laid-back and easy going.
I take him for a long(ish) walk every morning, and if I'm late he gives me 'the stare'. If he could reach the drawer where the lead is kept he would go and get it himself! He loves his walks and we enjoy exploring the local countryside and woods. He's doing both of us a favour as the exercise helps to keep us both healthy and fit.
He loves playing with his ball and is forever bringing it to us for us to throw. He loves sitting on the headrest of the armchair or sofa, looking down at us lesser mortals. At night he sleeps either on our bed or our son's, swapping between the two.
He's a mischievous little fella who is at the heart of our family.

I've had a couple of cats, and they both had their own little vocal repertoires with distinct noises that mean specific things. Our current cat has a chirrup which is a greeting noise, and, although she's a cat, she always seems genuinely pleased to see me when I get home from work. Or at least, comes up to chirrup and head-rub me. Maybe she's just reclaiming ownership...

My cat used to get a birthday party with specially made treats

My daughter has aspergers and struggles so often with what life brings, I rescued a pup four years ago when my daughter was 2 and literally since that day he has become her shadow and confidante, when she is down, upset, tearful, happy, laughing sleeping he is by her side, he pines till she returns home!

He adores me unconditionally. I get head bops and he demands bed cuddles every morning and won't eat without them
He can say mama and hello annoyingly
Despite being stray for 4 years, I adopted him and he immediately plonked himself in my lap and stared at me. I sometimes wake up at 3am to find him blinking adoringly at me
I am "HIS hooman" and not allowed to stroke other cats or he howls at me

My old cat Sooty was my oldest friend. I got him when I was 11 and he died late last year when I was 30. We’ve been through everything together, moving house, having children, relatives dying. He wasn’t the friendliest of cats but we had a strong love for each other and I miss him every day.

We now have a gorgeous ragdoll cat who has become my baby, he is definitely a member of the family! As soon as we come in the door he comes thudding down the stairs demanding to be loved.
I couldn’t be without a cat, they are the ultimate friend.

We love our guinea pigs who live in the house. They speak like mad when we sit down to eat so we have to get them some spinach or celery to snack on while we eat. You can’t walk past the room and make any kind of rustling sound and they know the sound of the fridge door opening two rooms away. They are affectionate and lovely to cuddle. They purr with contentment like cats !

We got our first family dog 2 years ago. Didn't expect to love her like we do and feel she is another one of us. She's a she in a household of boys so I feel a solidarity with her in an otherwise male environment. I worry we all love her too much and fear losing her

To this hilarious (but rather gross) extent! Couldn’t believe it when I looked over at them.
My fur baby (Oscar) was my life and I was so worried when I had my first born in the summer. I needn’t have been worried, they both adore each other and Oscar even alerted me to my DS crying one night when the baby monitor was on silent.

Our dog is 13 now and a firm fixture in the family, his birthday is in February, (we picked the 15th - we were never certain exactly) we had him in kennels one year, but he came back underweight (through stress - the kennels were lovely) we have him vet checked every year, along with his boosters, so know he's healthy. After the kennels, we now take him with us on family holidays in the UK. He has his own basket in the dining room. He is part of the family, has his own sack at Christmas, seat in the car and place in our hearts.

I always said 'no' when my children asked for a dog, the main reason being my eldest in on the autistic spectrum, and has highs and lows and temper tantrums, and thought it would be another thing to deal with. I gave in 2 years ago, and got a Maltese terrier, he is the most gentle little soul, he is part of my family, and my son has a link with him that we could never achieve, he is calmer around him, shows empathy like never before and the temper tantrums have really reduced, having a another member of my family, whilst it has it costs, and we are tied to home more, is the best thing we have ever done.

Our dog was so much a part of our family when I was growing up, that I worried when I was having allergy tests because if it said I was allergic to dogs I'd probably need to find a new home 😂 it would have been 4 against 1 (me) and I actually think it would more than likely have been 5-0 😂 because I wouldn't want her to be kicked out. Thankfully we were both allowed to stay 😂

Have 3 cats and 2 dogs. Run my whole life with them in mind. No holidays abroad, only UK either camping or dog friendly cottages. They all sleep in/on the bed. My job even works around them. The car has been modified so the dogs have a safe comfy place in the boot with duvet, water etc.
Could never imagine a life without my pets.