Very interesting, Silent Monk. I understand how people have their “fur babies” if for so e reason they can not have children, or their own children have left home and they need the pet to replace them so treat them like a child.
My own dog Honey, is to some extent, and often gets bought a new toy or treat if we go shopping, is taken most places we go etc … but does not have a stroller, gets walked on a lead like a “dog.”
I wasn’t aware people were actually choosing “fur babies” in preference to having children.