There are some pet owners out there that take the love for their animals a little too far (especially those who use them as a substitute for children). I previously shared with you a post on awkward family photos taken from the website of the same name (http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/) and now the makers have taken it to another level of awkwardness... a series of awkward family photos and their pets. And no animals are spared from barnyard animals to rodents.

I'm all for loving animals but some people go a little overboard. These photos are priceless..



One for the album: Spot is wondering why his owners have extra e-collars just lying around



Glamour shots: They didn't want the dogs to miss out on such a grand affair



Criminal: Looks like this mutt got into the wrong crowd



Help me! Little guy picked an unfortunate place to nuzzle up



In the buff: Was there not a towel around?



Scary: Is an animal sacrifice about to go down?



Back at the barn: The family that's awkward together, stays together



Ready to ride: Why take the car when you have a perfectly well-coiffed mule?



Man of the house: It's not the guy on the left



Look this way! Getting a pig to pose is rough work



From our family to yours: This Christmas card is one to remember



All dolled up: Lassie is going to enjoy his new chew toys later



Wild: There can never be enough cats!



Man's best friend: Family photos that have gone to the dogs



New friends: A skunk, a dog and a bird did not authorise these images



Wrong cage, honey: A little girl enjoys a few laughs while holding her dog stuck in a hampster ball



Eyes on the road! The adorable pup couldn't wait to give his owner a big sloppy kiss - let's hope it didn't cause any accidents



Snuggles! A woman gives two furry friends a bear hug



Cats and mice: The Eighties are back, and these animals are not happy about it



These families are getting in the spirit with awkward poses


As the authors of the book, Mike Bender and Doug Chernack quite rightly said: 'We adore our pets, but let’s face it - sometimes L-O-V-E makes us go a little overboard.' INDEED!