My pets are my kids also, and when I have kids I don't intend on loving my pets any less. I don't think you need to throw parties for your pets or anything like that to love them, but there's nothing wrong with doing it. And as for the parties, dressing up, and special food not making a pet happy.....don't quite understand that argument. Ever had a dog? Just the extra attention it would take to dress them up thrills them to pieces!