'They are so loving and never want anything in return': The rewards of pet parenthood

Some millennials are choosing fur babies over real babies due to rising living costs and a desire to broaden their horizons.  We talk to young child-free dog owners who sing the praises of their loyal four-legged pets

Bhavya Badola and her fiancé Adi. with their 3 month old puppy Una, in St. Anne's park. Photograph Moya Nolan

MILLENNIALS do things differently. Those born between 1981 and 1996 exercise more, eat better and smoke less than previous generations. They may also be parenting differently. Look around and you’ll see that today’s 20- and 30-somethings are just as likely to be seen walking doted-upon doggies as pushing babies in buggies.

Take 38-year-old British actress Jamella Jamil. She recently said that her two dogs were all the responsibility she wanted in life.