I get what you are saying. Its important to take of yourself so we can better take care of our loved ones. For me though i would say Ziggy is my life, i have a different relationship with him than i have ever had with a dog. I love all my dogs as pets, but ziggy is like my baby. Maybe its because i got him at a VERY difficulty time in my life, maybe its because he nearly died the day after i goot him and i had to syringe (akin to bottle feeding a baby) feed and water him every 2 hours for 2 weeks straight! Maybe its the combination, but he's my baby, and i do everything for him. everyone in my life knows its, people on the street stop me and say "wow i've never seen anyone love a dog so much" I cant imagine my life without him, he's my blessing daily. I could go on and on about this...lol. i just love him
But i have no children (im still young- 25years old, dont want skin children right now) so i can only speak from my point of view. I respect everyone's point of view too