Makes me wonder why we "need" our companion animals more than ever before! People tend to cling tighter to them now days, panic if they even get out of sight when outside and yes baby them. Maybe the nurturing instinct and the need to be loved is stronger these days. It's all good if we keep in mind they are dogs first, and need to do all the things dogs love doing.
I will always say "my girls" simply because saying "dogs" is difficult to get out.
Yep they are my fur-kids and I wouldn't have it any other way!