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?"

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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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Our dog is very much part of the family as he loves to play and snuggle with us, and we miss each other if we go out. He brings a lot of happiness into our lives.

I refer to my lovely Labrador as my youngest! Can’t possibly imagine leaving him behind to go away so he comes with us. He cheers everyone up and bonds us as a family. He keeps us fit and healthy and is an excellent guard dog. Absolutely love him x

Our Lily is the baby of the family. She was mistreated before we rescued her & it took time for her to relax, now she rules the roost 🤣

I had a dog, a Cavalier king Charles Alfie, we got him before we had children, and he was our baby, and treated so. He would ride in the car everywhere with me, sleep in our room constantly having cuddles on my knee. Even if I was cleaning the house, he would follow me around. He wasn't just part of our family, he was my little shadow.

We've had our cats for nearly 14 years now and our two young children love them and are very good with them

Yes our animals are everything to us, they are most important to us and do take priority and have the run of the home. They are very much part of our family and we love them very much.They are all insured with Animal Friends.

We have two pet degus, so although they're not big animals they are certainly part of the family! We give them Christmas themed food in December so they can join in and they make themselves known when we're watching TV in the room with them. Would love a dog once we have a garden with our home.

Our Pet is Lady the yorkie dog and she is part of our family she has help us with our daughter who has autism and brings calmness to our home x

Our Dog is adored by us all. She is loving, funny, greets us warmly, loves to curl up on our beds and under our duvets so is a great comfort when children feel upset or frightened at night, she keeps us fir and teaches the children about responsibility. Truth be told she nearly feels like one of our children and we are so lucky to have such a sweet dog.

Pets are always a huge part of our family. They provide love and companionship at all times.

We have two dogs who are so much part of our family's.We make decisions about holidays and days out to include the dogs they never get left behind.They give so much back love you unconditionally and my children have grown up with friends that will never quarrel with them!

No pets at the moment as can't commit to them with young kids and all the joys of working away. When I was a lad we had 3 dogs and they were the centre of the household really as they had to be looked after and walked etc. so things kids of revolved around them.

^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? ^

Yes to all of the above. Our dogs are truly like family members, have beds and pet sofas throughout the house, come round to the pub with us, are included in weekend outings and holiday plans. They are included in our Christmas card and get fairly gourmet treats and special diets. They probably eat better than I do!

My pets have always been a huge part of my life no matter how small the pet is.I have always had pets and grew up around a house full of animals.I currently have many pets and i treasure them all so much.The cats pretty much do whatever i'm doing and follow me around watching and interacting.They sleep on my bed cuddled up to me and i would hate to have to be without any animal in my life. They help me and bring me great comfort and i helped them by adopting them from an animal sanctuary. They bring so much joy to me.I often laugh at their antics.They are my little shadows.

My two dogs are like one of the kids they get spoilt, pampered,treats and presents lots of cuddles and tucked in bed every night even though the covers will be off five minutes later , there very much part of our family and included in holidays aswell

we have 4 rescue cats ( 1 blind, 1 deaf, 1 dwarf and the other is a little odd) but we love them all as part of the family

Our cats are spoilt rotten and treat the house like a hotel so much like the kids really.

Yoda (my cat) has his very own spot on the sofa, if your sitting on it he will growl at you until you move. At dinner times i have to make an extra portion especially for him, he likes to eat what we eat. He is definately in charge!

My cat Nova is definitely part of the family. She has such a great personality and we all love her. I think we are her pets though because she definitely seems to rule the roost.

She (the cat) tolerates the children and is spoilt with treats.

We have two bedlington terrier puppies - Ozzy and Monty in our family home. They have been with us since November 2018. They are wonderful dogs, so friendly and great companions. They are defintely a huge part of our "home" as they greet us when we come through the door, like to play during the day and are great therapy for me as I suffer with mental health problems. X

DS is on the autistic spectrum, he has a great love for animals, we have five Shar Pei and while he struggled to communicate or express himself with us, he never had that problem with the dogs, they accept him for who he is. All our dogs are a huge part of the family, from giving us cuddles when we're feeling down to sharing a Sunday roast with us on the weekend, our family would not be complete without them.

My cat decided that we were her family - turned up out of the blue one cold winter morning & just sat crying by the door until we let her in. She was so skinny so she must have been living rough for a good while.

The cats are definitely part of the family, they keep us endlessly amused - and I expect we them.

We have a pet Labradoodle who goes most places with us as he hates to be left out! He always has a birthday and Christmas present and has a special beanbag which he says is his but does share with me.
I love him because he is always there and is a good listener!