Recently I had a particularly annoying conversation with my own mother regarding an upcoming visit and her cat. It’s not just true of my mother but also true of my mother-in-law. Their pets have moved into their hearts as the stand-in children. Children grow up and I guess parents fill that void with fur. Both Grandmas have pets that they talk about in a way that is absolutely disgusting with far too many comparisons to my very human, very dynamic daughter. To hear someone say, “My cat…” or “My doggie…” does something that is so precious “Just like my grand-daughter!” No. No thank you. I don’t care if your cat talks to you and your dog hugs you that affection is not relatable to my daughter’s!  read more »