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 love the cats more than each other I think!

We have 9 cats and we all believe if you get a pet he/she is with you for life. You don't just get rid of them when a new boyfriend or child comes along as so many do. We even considered the cats when we moved house! We always treat our cats the same as we would ourselves, they are well fed, have warmth and beds and clean litter. We love them unconditionally and take them to the vet if we are worried. they give us all so much pleasure but can also bring sadness and heartbreak. I believe having cats has taught my children about love and happiness and also how to care and love for others.

We had a little dog, a toy poodle for nearly 15 years, losing him was like losing a member of the family, he would come everywhere with us, he was like a little ray of sunshine. We also have two cats who are still with us and enjoy ruling the roost. They are so funny and can be quite demanding when they want to play!

or three divas seem to be the most demanding family members hehe, they make us laugh they love cuddles and i couldnt imagine our family without them. they love floor time and literally follow me everywhere i go in the house, if i go upstairs they squel til i come back down

Two dogs, two guinea pigs, one hamster - all part of the family. Just wouldn't be the same without our pets! :) As for birthdays - we celebrate the dogs as well as our own, they love to open parcels! - same with Christmas! They are always there for us....and us for them 💞..plenty of love to go around.

Our dog Roxi is definitely one of the family & is treated in parr with my children. Roxi has a doggie party for her birthday each year, as well as lots of Christmas pressies to open. Roxi eats the same meals as the rest of the family, & has a daily bath as well! Roxi shares our beds & sleeps on a different bed every night which ever one takes her fancy, & has her own pillow, duvet & teddy. We love Roxi to bits & can't imagine our family without her! xx

The welfare of my dog is considered when it comes to all family decisions. For example, friends look after him when we go on holiday and we made sure that we had some trial runs before this first happened. He is walked several times a day. He has up to date pet insurance.

We adore him as part of the family and I can't bear the though of him going missing (as is happening to a lot of dogs around here).

It is so tempting to give him some of our food when he sits there looking at us when we eat but we resist for his own sake.

He sleeps on my bed!

I've always shad pets since as far back as I can remember, and I can't imagine like without a pet. I currently have two house cats and both are so dear to me. Both have their own little personalities and have the run of the house. I love a little chat to them as they chirp back their meows. They are very much a part of the family and always will be.

Our ferret just brightens our day she just loves to have a tummy tickle and a cuddle she can't help but make us smile

Our rescue dogs and cat are definitely part of the family - they have their own beds, they have birthdays and they get presents.

Our cat is definitely one of the family, she is treated like a Princess and loves it!

my cats are always with us, they watch tv with us, they sleep on our beds, they are totally adored.

My dog has now passed away, but he was definitely part of the family.

my dog spends more time with me than anyone else. I wouldn’t have it any other way 😂

our cats are our family couldnt imagine not having them kids have grown up with them

even at christmas we still buy the dog a present and its not left out for christmas dinner too

My rescue dog is my constant companion and definitely the fourth member of the family!

My cats are my family. They always keep me company if i am upset, down or even happy. Always loved animals, especially cats

We lost our dear border collie last April the night before her 15th birthday.
She would have a Sunday lunch every week and we are still cooking for her. 😢

We know our lovely cat Ginge is one of the family as he has more room than any of us and sits in the middle of the sofa on his own blanket and snores! Just like a husband really :)

Our dog is certainly one of the family! She goes everywhere with us as she howls if she is left on her own. She sleeps in our bedroom and at night she sneaks on to the bed, which means my partner and the dog have most of the bed and I’m squashed in the corner!

I have two cats who are definitely part of the family. They love a cuddle and a fuss every night! I also insure them both through animal friends!

My rescue cat brightens up every day. He loves to play and sleeps on my bed, he is always there every night to greet me coming in from work. He is part of the household

We have a pet tortoise called Keith (she's a girl btw!) Tortoises are hard to sex when little and my son chose the name. She really is part of the family, which is good, given their life span! She greets you in the morning, coming over in her enclosure for a shell stroke and head rub. She also waits on her slate plate for breakfast and gifts at you if you're late. Tortoises are also renound sulkers, which is very apt when you have teenagers too!

We rescued our dog Thor just over a year ago, not only did he have a pretty bleak start in life luckily he was so young to remember before he got rescued. These things make you realise how important it is to care and love your pet, you choose them for a reason. I am so grateful of Thor as he gets me out walking every single day even in the bad weather but i am always glad of this after our lovely walk. He makes me laugh with his big personality and he is the most gentle with my children. He gives to much to this family, love, trust, companionship, loyalty, patience so of course we give him the same back. He gets treats on his birthday and the anniversary of when we got him. We also love him by taking care of his health and wellbeing as well as lots of cuddles. We always love to explore new areas as a family so getting Thor actually brings us all together in the best way!