A boy and his best friend

I am bias here because it's my baby and puppy.... Thoughts on these? I have put both a black and white and normal shot here. Thoughts? (Yes I know there is drool in the shot, but that's what they do. I didn't want to change that).

IMAGE LINK: https://photos.smugmug​.com …U6A5259-2-XL.jpg&lb=1&s=A

IMAGE LINK: https://photos.smugmug​.com …/0U6A5259-XL.jpg&lb=1&s=A

I wish I had 5Ds...

On the topic, though.
Color version is totally bad. You should brush up on White Balance a bit there, as it is way off. Also your camera manual is your friend - start with the auto setting as custom white balance comes in, when consistency becomes more important.
Both images has halo around subjects.
I would close down shadows a bit.

It is a cute picture.

But Osh is right.....the white balance in picture 1 is completely out of hand. Highlights are too bright, which you can reduce in post. You may be able to make some correction to the white balance as well.

It's most certainly a keepsake.....just not a wall hanger.

With the benefit of 20/20 hindsight...is that an image that you really want to submit for C&C...do the colors satisfy you?