I'll be the same way at an equivelent age. We chose a breed that doesn't shed and have had a doggy door the whole time. That makes a big difference. They've been great for the kids but there's no way anyone mistakes them for actual kids. Dogs have their place and can really enrich your life but the new trend of treating them like humans is just stupid.
One daughter does travel with her King Charles but he stays in a back pack tucked under the seat the entire flight. Most people don't realize he's even there & they pay for him (no fake service animal crap). I was skeptical until we flew with them and you really had no idea he was there. It's just easier and cheaper to take him than find a good kennel.