I would think that the lady was referring to your animals as children...
I often do that.
 
"my children are ...."
 
I don't have any human kids.... but I have furry kids...so maybe this
cashier meant your furry kids cause you were buying so much stuff for
them....?
 
That is how I would have taken it.
 
Joanne
[Posted in FML issue 4391]