This is more speculative. We don't know, but we're about to find out.
Quote #5
a dirty dog, quite comfy. (18)
If a dog isn't part of the family, then we don't know who is!
Quote #6
Somebody embroidered the doily. (32)
Someone in the family has to put these homey touches on the place. Perhaps a mother figure? But if there is a mom in the picture: where is she? Has she left? Even died? Could that explain why things have gotten so shabby around the place?