Hmm...I've never been outright accused of substituting pets for children...because anyone who knows me and my feelings about children knows that I love my pets VASTLY more!! ^.^

I don't see my love for my pets as "maternal instinct" because I think I lack that entirely. *chuckles* My co-workers think I'm completely bonkers because I swooned when a scorpion gave birth but I think skin babies are creepy looking.