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

Our cats have been with us before babys came, they're 10 now, fully fledged members of our family!

We used to have lots of rescue cats and they were a massive part of life. They all piled on the bed and we ended up wedged in place not wanting to disturb them by turning over! In the end we had to shut them out just to get some quality sleep! haha!

We no longer have any pets and I am relieved as I think you have to have a reasonable amount of money to look after them properly and ensure they get the right care. We don't have enough income to take on that responsibility any more.

She (the dog) is not allowed upstairs, sleeps on the sofa but is included in all our outings.

We have 4 Romanian rescue dogs and they each have their different personalities. They add joy to our lives each day with their antics and the love they give is unconditional. I cant imagine life without them.

My pets are very important members of the family it's lovely to be greeted when you get home and also that you never have an argument with your pets and they never let you down either. This often makes them top scorers amongst family member. Although I wish they could speak their love speaks for itself!

he is everything to my mrs she lost her brother this year and dont think he would have couped with out the dog he just knew there was something wrong and wouldnt leave her side hes the best dog ever

I love my dog. She is definitely part of the family. She helped me during my recovery of my mental health and still comforts me when I am down. She seemed to know when I am getting ill and I'm grateful for her company. I recently did the Battersea 5K muddy dog challenge both to raise money for charity and so that she would have loads of fun. I took her training with me previous to the event and we still run together now.

I was never allowed pets as a child & I had a phobia of cats until a stray turned up at my door & refused to leave. He sat on my gas meter cupboard outside for 3 weeks & all the neighbours were feeding him but he seemed to want to live with me. O'Malley was a very special cat, almost human, & he changed my opinion of cats & I have since rehomed 13 strays who have all been my babies. I have four at the moment plus next door's kitten who seems to have made herself at home with my lot. I haven't encouraged her but I can't stop her coming in through the cat flap. My neighbour doesn't mind as she works all day & is happy that Crystal has made friends & has other cats to play with. I'm disabled & housebound so the cats are my life when I'm stuck in the house unable to get out & about. Every home should have a pet.

Spike the dog is fully part of the family - in pics , gets presents - the lot !

Our dogs are always near the top of the list when we plan activities and holidays, I hate to leave them behind. They are also the peace keepers in our family, wagging their tails and bouncing around to halt any arguments in their tracks!

Throughout our life we have always had rescue dogs and they have always been a member of the family from the day the walk in the door. I have a firm belief that when you take an animal into your life you let them into your heart and THEY let you into their hearts too.....We got a rescue dog at the birth of both our children and they both become our children best friends

I don't know about one of the family he IS the family, our lives have moved from revolving around the kids (now grown up) to revolving around Max (Retriever/Red Setter first cross) We have to get up at a certain time because he likes his first walk early, we only go to pet friendly cottages, we only have chicken on Sunday because he does like a Sunday dinner and chicken is better for his health!!! I could go on, but then they give so much back :D

The pets are the only one who'll cuddle me for more than 30 seconds !

Our chocolate Labrador loves everyone equally (including any unfamiliar workmen!) so the whole family feel valued by her.

Our cat was like our baby.. before we added our two humans to our brood. Now she's still the baby of the family and everyone loves her. She's truly spoilt

Our Cat Shiloh always has to be around us. His most favourite thing is when we are all together, especially in bed,the he likes to make himself comfy and snuggle down with us. He always comes to greet us with a miaow when we come in the door or pull up the drive. He knows the sound of our cars! and he's never happy until we are up. He is certainly one of the family!

I take the family dog (mine) to work with me everyday, we go for walks and spend nearly all my free time together

We had our family pet for 14 years and they were included in all things family. We had a daily routine which included the dog with walks, feeding times and cuddles. She had her own bed at the bottom of my bed and it was strange for her not to be there anymore. Always part of my family, my dear dog Maisy.

My cat has helped me get through some very stressful situations which have caused me severe anxiety amongst other things. I know some people might find it 'pointless', but when you just need to talk without anyone giving you their opinions or advice (I do appreciate my friends and family's support), get it out, have a sob, and have a cuddle and a bit shared affection she's always there, we have a wonderful bond. I truly believe that she gives me more than I could ever give her, a little furry therapist smile

Our parrot is a lively member of our family, he joins in every conversation whether we want him to or not. He once swore , I got the blame , even though I didn’t teach him to say that, he never did it again, he must have sensed the atmosphere afterwards!

We have a cat and a fish..... I can honestly say having a fish is so much harder work than having a cat. However we love them both, the first thing my kids do when we get home from school is run over and cuddle the cat. Our cat is so good with the kids and very tolerant with them. I couldn't imagine life without a pet!

Our dog is a very important part of the family and her needs are factored into the day as are everyone else's e.g. walks, meals, baths etc. She gets a new toy occasionally, we know her number one foods and most special squeaky toy, and she is considered when we go anywhere :)

Our dog Elsie has her own personality, our family just wouldnt be the same with out her, she's part of everything we do, from meal times, to reading with the kids (she loves listening and cuddling up when the kids do their reading) Even birthdays, she loves the wrapping paper. If we go out for ice creams, she has one too, she is another child to us.

My pug is super cuddly and will always want to curl op on my knee. He is like having an extra child lol

Our dog is like one of our children, he even sulks like them.
He likes his own chair and sleeps in the bedroom. He cries if we tell him off and likes to sneak treats.