Reasons for having a dog...

Unconditional love.

Always listens - no matter what you have to say.

Greets you at the door when you have had the worst possibly day ever.

A best friend, no matter what has happened in the past.

Foot warmer when the nights are cold.

Snuggle buddy at bedtime.

there are tons more reasons I can think of =]

You become the world's foremost expert on your dog's BMs!  LOL!  I am not above spying with a flashlight at night in the yard when their poops are iffy!

Burglars tend to avoid homes with barking dogs, moving to the quiet, unoccupied properties (generally -- there are always exceptions).

You don't mind being single so much when there's someone warm and cuddly in the bed with you every night and who smiles and kisses your face in the morning BEFORE you've brushed, doesn't mind if you go potty with the door open, is always happy to see you no matter how awful you look,  and will still cuddle and comfort you even if you've got bubonic plague!  They don't say "Ewww, germs!" and run for the hills.  :)

Exercise partner.

Foot warmer. 

Because I make too much money? LOL Sorry... Emma has issues, lately

Emma is my partner in crime. She's always beside me, clowning around and making me laugh. 

Inspires me to keep in shape (walks, runs, playing, agility...)

Helps meet new friends through the training club, shows, clinics, breeders

Saves a dog from a shelter

Gives me something to do and someone to do it with

Always a new experience (good or bad), keeps me on my toes!

Makes me think more about what really matters

Protects me (as a visual deterrent) and alerts 

Teaches me to care about and appreciate all animals more
 

jennie_c_d

Because I make too much money?

Same here!! I dropped another $150 today, on blood work :/

I have a dog because I hate cleaning my floors. Pirate is my little hoover, he'll find any crumbs and suck 'em right up!

sl2crmeg

Same here!! I dropped another $150 today, on blood work :/

You win, today. I spent $94.50 on a really thorough exam and acupuncture, but we decided she needs x rays. That helps with my "too much money" problem, LOL.  

companionship ( no need to make converstation just being there is sufficient for the dog)

acceptance no matter what (regardless of what is going on, how your day went, your dog is happy to see you and is content to go for a walk or lie at your feet, or in your lap)

peace (something about the presence of my dogs gives me peace, a walk is so much more enjoyable with them)

joy (they are similar to children, in that watching them enjoy life fills you with joy also)

security ( I am in a rural area, my husband works nights but I sleep well with the dogs here. They give me a sense of security.

cuddles ( the best cuddles are having a 40 lb Vizsla and a 100lb Dogo compete for your lap!)

kisses

 I could go on and on but that is what comes to mind now and it is time for dinner. How can I turn away from those two sets of brown eyes doing there utmost to will me from the computer into the kitchen for their dinner!

sl2crmeg

I have a dog because I hate cleaning my floors

haha! How could I have forgotten that one?!

DH and I *tried* playing fetch without one, but we're both really rubbish at carrying a tennis ball in our mouths.  So we got a dog, he's much better at it.  

All the above

They do silly things that make me laugh

Seeing them start to understand what you want them to do is really cool, esp. when it finally 'clicks'  (That's what's happening with Dusty now, I'm sooo happy, only took 3 years )

Puppy breath

I have my entourage (sp?) that greets me at the door and follows me around (See, I'm the Queen, didn't you know )

They're great subjects to take pictures of

I need someone to clean up the cat barf because the smell is too much for me.

Bear never complains about what's for dinner...ever.  Picky eater is not in his vocabulary.

He lets me know when the cats are doing something wrong.

When we go for a walk or a ride, I can talk to myself, but always appear as if I'm working with the dog.

My vet needs a mid-winter vacation.

Thanks everyone I really appreciate your replys.

Donna

I have a dog to remind me of the qualities I wish humans had and then mold myelsf after them. I only wish humans were as truthful as dogs, had as much honor, and forgiveness.

House remodeling!  Once they chew through the door frames, you have to replace those old and tired doors right?

Lawn maintenance!  Because all those holes need to be filled in occasionally so that you don't trip over them in the middle of the night if you have to take the dog out.

New Car!  I mean, I can't crate out of SEDAN!  I needed that MINIVAN!  :D

On the serious side, because you can always find a friend when you need a shoulder to cry on; a running partner; or to snuggle on the couch with.