Show of Hands

No, not even close.

You can't leave your kid in a crate for 8 hours while you are at work.

I think it's annoying and obnoxious, personally. When said in jest it's not so bad, but when someone says it in a serious manner it makes me shake my head.

Someone said "we're having a baby! " and the "baby" was a dog? I would have busted out laughing. Some people get so goofy over their pets it's funny.

Never aggravated me? I don't say they're my kids, but I call one of my cats my baby, so similar I guess.

No, kids need to be raised. Pets just need to be trained. Pets also don't back talk.

It is more like a 3rd class child.

No, but it's not like having a coffee table, either. Pets (dogs, at least, are what I've experienced) CAN be intelligent and loyal friends. 🐾

I love my dog, he is definitely a big part of the family, there are some similarities, but no, having a kid is different. Each kid's personality is unique, a dog is more cooperative and stable, kids give you more highs and lows.

someone that abuses them. They don't borrow money and never repay it. They don't have children that you end up raising and supporting. They will however puke on your new carpet, chew up your wife's shoe. So it's a trade off.

We've always had dogs, of course they aren't anything like a child but they sure as hell don't cause all the grief and angst real kids do. They just give unquestioned love and loyalty. No back talk and they don't go through the teen years or marry

Maybe they can't have children for some reason. Doesn't bother me. I draw the line at them French kissing.

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For some of us who don't or can't have children, our dog (or cat, I suppose) is the closest we'll ever get. I think most people that feel this way know it's easier taking care of a dog than a kid. But, you can love a pet at least similarly, I think.

Why ask the question if you just want to express your opinion?