To pacify you my dear pets, I have posted the following message on our front door:
To all NON pet owners who visit and like to complain about our pets:
1. They live here, you dont.
2. If you dont want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture.
(that's why they call it fur--niture!)
3. I like my pets more than i like most people.
4. To YoU its an animal, to me, they are my adopted son/daughter who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesnt speak clearly.
Why pets are better than kids:
1. They eat less
2. Dont ask for money all the time.
3. Are easier to train.
4. Normally come when called (some Yorkies excluded..lol)
5. Never ask to borrow the car.
6. Dont hang out with drug using friends.
7. Dont smoke or drink
8. Dont have to buy the latest fashions (ok , but its the mommies)
9. Dont want to wear your clothes
10. Dont need a gazillion dollars for collegeand
11.
If they get pregnant you can sell their children 
authors unknown..but funny