I am so very lucky in this life. I am a wife. I am a mother. I am a dog owner. I am a cat owner. I have three human children - aged 18, 21 and 22. My own mother died 18 years ago and my mother in law died 2 years ago. So, it is just us.

Some people aren't as lucky of course - some are even luckier. They may have all of the above and more, some of the above or none of the above. Their family may include friends or other species like birds, reptiles etc

As I get older - I mean, as my children get older - I kind of depend more on the animals to give me love and joy. They are far less complicated than humans. So much more transparent and unconditional. They are so very easy to please and don't ask for much - just kindness, understanding, a warm, dry place to sleep and food. Definitely food!

More realistically, they don't talk back!

I think we've done a pretty good job with our kids. They are reasonably independent and are building lives of their own. In fact, the 22 year old has moved out of home with his partner, has a wonderful full time job and left yesterday for a two week trip to Japan. He won't be here to celebrate Mother's Day and you know what? It doesn't matter. I know he loves me and it doesn't take an 'official' day for him to tell me. The middle guy and the youngest will be here and that is just lovely.

I actually don't consider my pets to be my 'furbabies' or 'fur children' and no, I am not a 'pawrent' (although all of these three terms are very cute!). I am, however, an animal lover. And I do love to spend time with my animals. They are definitely a huge part of my family.

Today, we will be leaving our furry guy at home. Just for a few hours. He will feel sad, abandoned even, and after eating the big bone we will give him - he will dig some holes to show how much he missed us. And when we return, he will greet us like we have been away for months. He will bark, he will dance, he will cry. And we will all say "oh Finn, we missed you. What did you do all day? Did you dig that hole?" And the cat will walk past us, up to the door, into the house and eat. We will barely get a glance. And all is as it should be in the world.

Does your furry one show displeasure when you leave them?

Will you be including your loved furry one in your special day today?

Wishing you all a wonderful Mother's Day - in whatever form you spend it xx