Got to get in on this one. Unfortunately we were not able to have kids, so the dogs became our family.
At first I didn't think I wanted a dog, but after a very short time, I couldn't imagine life without one. Sounds silly, but I can't imagine I could love a child any more than we do our Cocker Spaniels.
A few pictures.
SAL
She was our first and sadly died on Sept 11th 2009, at a decent age of 14. Nearly destroyed me having her put to sleep but she was in distress with so much wrong that It had to be done.
JAKE
We got him as company for Sal when she was 4 years old and they hit it off straight away and were best pals. Whereas Sal was a true lady (didn't like getting wet or dirty), Jake (otherwise know as ruff and tumble) is a real boy and can get filthy at the drop of a hat.
Giving the wife a "love"
and the day we got him...
Both pals together...
Cheers
Andrew