I am incredibly broody too, I got both my dogs at different times due to being so broody and it did help for a while but that yearning soon comes back again. I do love my dogs though and don't regret getting them, they help me through the dark days and give me cuddles when I need them x
I have a very small dog who is treated and acts just like a baby. He is excited about getting dressed up, needs tucked in at night or he won't go to sleep (seriously, he wanders around the house if you don't!). People keep tellin us we'll have no problem with kids the way we treat him!!
I know they will never replace a child but they do serve as a distraction for sure x