Hmmm my dogs are not a substitute for children as I don't want children but I do want dogs....LOL
I'm young and maybe my thoughts on wanting a child will change, but I doubt it.
My thoughts on owning dogs will never change though, that I know.

Also someone brought up the issue on different types of love. I agree that there are different types and well I don't really believe in love, for myself. I don't think it's possible to love a person the way I love my dogs.