Can you love your Pooch too much?

I've surely been accused of that.
My miniature poodle Velvet is 6 years old and the love of my life, well after my husband.



She brings me so much joy from the time I wake in the morning, till I turn in at night. I never knew a dog could bring you so much joy.

Truth be told, I was afraid of dogs most of my life. At seven years old, I watched my little sister being mauled by a rabid German Shepard, which traumatized me for years. I didn't get over the fear until I decided to face my problem in a story we did about nine years ago on phobias and how therapy could cure them.

I got Velvet shortly afterward and have been in love ever since. I must say I do spoil her. She can become the center of my world at times. My husband doesn't like that she follows be around the house non-stop. She likes being near me, getting up whenever I do. She has a fit when I leave for work, spinning around in one spot, frantically displaying her unhappiness at my departure.

Before I got married it was just the two of us and I'm sure Velvet got used to the world revolving around her. When Rodney arrived I thought the battle lines would be drawn, Velvet barked at him every time he moved. Now, she loves playing with him.

I asked the question; Can your love your Pooch too much because a while back, I was crying at work sometimes uncontrollably for a few minutes because Velvet was ill and in the veterinary hospital and a couple of people said: She's a dog Romona. I responded by saying No, she's my baby, part of my family. Don't people understand our pets are more than "just animals" they are family members, or am I the one who's losing a grip?

Let me know what you think with your comments below. Can we get too close to our pets? Also share photos of your special family member at wkyc.com.