Pat and I are parenting two Westies for the summer.  Sort of takes us back to when we had little children.

Walking down the street you have to tell both to stay by your side and not wander into traffic.

They both love meal time but dogs are easier, they will eat anything while kids, particularly over time, become fussy  (my french toast is not done right)

Kids learn early to dispose their poop in an orderly manner, but I still have to follow the dogs to clean up their random deposits.

Both have infinite joy of spending hugs and kisses with the parents (well the kids for awhile anyway)  I still have a problem with lip kisses from Reese.

But the fundamental difference is the cost.  Janine tells me it costs $1400 per season for a 6 year old in soccer.  Dogs are much cheaper