I have to admit, that was the situation with my wife and I.
We were married for seven years without being able to have kids. Three years into our marriage, we got a dog, and yes, we starting treating him like a child. After seven years of trying, we finally made the decision to adopt.
Today, we have three beautiful children, and our dog, who's now ten years old, is just a dog.
Another thing: When we were childless, it seemed as if time stood still for us. Now, we see how time progresses as our children get older.
Life with kids is like HDTV. Wow! LOL