A study by Lloyds TSB says that folks in the United Kingdom devote more time to their pets than their sisters, brothers, grandparents, bosses, and the "public in general".

Of the 10 categories, such as husbands, children and friends, people admitted that they were more likely to devote themselves to their dogs, cats or other pets than many of their close relatives. Those aged over 55 said they put their pets on an equal footing with their friends.

Of course, I don't live with my friends, or my brother, or my mother, and hence, I don't spend as nearly as much time with them as I do with my dogs. My dogs live with me, which is why I spend more time with them. I think the study failed to put this into perspective.