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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We have a cat called Jessiecat she rules she rules the roost. She has her own bed areas in each room and is not happy if they get shifted. She will only eat premium expensive food and turns her nose up at anything else. She sleeps on my bed and takes up all the room and becomes disgruntled when you move her.

We have an Alaskan Malamute, so just his size makes him pretty hard to ignore. He can be very stubborn at times but when he wants a cwtch he will literally sit on (squash) you and nuzzle his head in. He has been part of our family now for 10 years and I couldn't imagine family life without him. My son absolutely adores him and they wind each other up all day, much to my annoyance it is actually very sweet watching them bonding :)

We just lost our cat aged 19 & we are devastated. She was every bit a member of our family & made it very clear that my husband's position was well below hers lol!

Our boycat is 100% one of the family. Possibly the most important member - he thinks so anyway. We love him so much.

My favourite part about owning my very own plonker dog is she sees no problems with her actions, she once stole a mans fish and chips off his lap whilst on a walk, a small child’s banana from his hand and will sniff out any ‘floor food’ no matter how small! Thank god she was a puppy and could get away with it, now she’s a happy 2 year old with a few health problems, we reduced her at 4-5 weeks with a 50/50 chance of survival, thousands spent (thank god for pet insurance!) but I wouldn’t change her. She steals all the room on the bed, we were donated a lovely recliner which she chewed through and has now adopted it as her own, nobody else gets to sit on it without the most powerful puppy dog eyes you’ve ever seen. She’s my best friend and I hope for a long life with her

my old cat is now 18 and been with me through many milestones and 3 house moves

dont have any not the space

Our dog always slept in my bed when I was growing up (I know some people would think that was grim, but I loved it - like a real life teddy and hot water bottle rolled into one. Pure unconditional love - she was my best friend

I dont have a pet since my dog dies, but I dog sit my daughters dog every day and he gets treated better than everyone, Milo is such a gentle loving dog, We love having him, everyone who visits loves him

we have 2 dogs , a lizard and some fish . The dogs are definitely part of our family. We recently lost one of our dogs just before christmas and as a family we were all heartbroken , our other dog especially because they had been together since they were 6 weeks old and were 10 when our Lulu died. We all really missed her so we got a new dog about a month later so still have 2 dogs . But really miss our dog that passed away. It was really had for all the family to cope with

My little man (Jackson the cat) likes to think he can eat whatever we eat, he always likes to try a bit. He knows the meaning of quite a few words now and "tells us off" if he is left outdoors for too long in the winter.He answers in his own way when we talk to him. he is a big personality in our house & is certainly a member of the family

We have a hamster called Charlie. Nominally he's my eldest's pet, but most of the looking after seems to devolve to us. Charlie gets let out every night in his ball, but quite often he escapes from the ball, and needs to be carefully tracked down. He's a lovely little fella.

Sadly we don't have a pet right now but we have all grown up with cats in the past and they were very much a part of the family, the would sit with us and try to take part in family games.

We don't have any pets at the moment as we're in a flat that doesn't allow them.
But my parents always had dogs and cats, the dogs were a part of the family, they had birthdays and always came to the main events

Always on hand for a hug if you need cheering up or joining in when the little ones are playing in the garden.

My pet tortoise (who I have had for 30 years !) since a small child, goes into hibernation every October, and we know spring is just around the corner when he comes out of hibernation, which is wonderful, and because he has been around so long is really part of the furniture. He lives in the garden, and loves to eat summer buttercups. I really don't know how old he he, we are guessing around 50, and as they live to be around 100, I think he will be around for years to come.

Easily put... they are simply a family member, much loved and would be a sad world without them as they give you so much in life!

I have always loved animals and think they play a vita role in life, teaching responsibility etc. We have a Great Dane, big lovely and a super sensitive soul. Since having DD she has taken it upon herself to be a big sister to our daughter, she always lets us know when baby is awake or crying and is so gentle. I absolutley adore her and couldn't imagine life without her.

We have 3 cats and they are part of the family; two of them were born here so they have always known us

Our cats are very much part of the family We talk to them all the time and they talk back, take as much care of them as we do for ourselves, and they do get let off with some quite naughty behaviour. I couldn't be without them, the house just wouldn't feel like a home. They're also great when life gets stressful - just sitting having a cuddle with one of them is so calming.

My dog likes to eat the same time as us, she follows everyone around and loves to watch tv with us and she sleeps in my room with me. Now no one tell her she is a dog as clearly she doesn't know.

We have 5 cats . One is a stray that's been with us a few months now. They are family to us. My sons absolutely adore them so much. I used to have rabbits and guinea pigs and budgies , and gerbils when I was young, but the budgie seed attracted mice.

Had a goldfish when we were young which was like a great aunt to me

My cat keeps me company and gives me a lot attention.

We take our dog on holiday with us - we love staycations and these days there are so many dog friendly b&bs! its great he can come along with us on our walks (and even to some cafes where you can eat outside in dog friendly areas). If he was stuck in a kennels we would just worry about him!

He is allowed on the sofa and on our bed (but not IN the bed) and he likes to sleep on his own in his crate at night. He will go anywhere with you and is a really jolly soul that makes our family complete, he makes us laugh, smile, is stuck to me like glue when I am feeling unwell, guards our home, and does so many goofy things that even if you are not in a happy mood you end up having a laugh! He isnt a posh breed, he is a rescue mixed breed dog, but to us he is one of the family!