Which came first?

Hi there people.

I was having a chat with a friend of mine the other day who couldn’t wait to tell me about the imminent arrival of her first puppy and it got me thinking about our philosphy on pet ownership versus having children.

Having spoken to many dog owners over the year and there seems to be a common pattern which takes one of two paths.

Path 1.  Having lived together for a while a couple will decide to buy a dog and if the dog survives for a year or 2 they will feel ready to plump for children.

Path 2.  Having got a kid or 2 the couple are now aware of the financial drain children can be and decide to get a dog as an alternative to more children (cheaper to keep, can be left home alone with no legal reprecussions and put in kennels when necessary).

This got me wondering on the real facts and figures so i would love you to tell me your story – can you relate to the above? – what came first for you? the dog or the kid?

Beign a mother of 4 and an owner of 2 dogs i feel i can be honest and frank about this subject.  We got the dog first!