When you plan your entire life around them.

...like making sure you're not too late getting home so that you can get them out and fed on time.

...like not doing a lot of vacationing because you'd have to leave them at home (or worse yet, with a babysitter)

...like buying a vehicle just for them (minivan-with puppy carseats)

...like building ramps for the small ones so they can get up on the beds.

to name a few!