I guess if you have never had a dog then I could see why you would say that. Take it from me. I've had every kind of pet there is and I can tell you there is no animal like a dog.
HA! I HAVE a dog! I agree he is the most loyal thing--because I punish him for pee'ing on the furniture when he gets lonely, and he comes running to me even though I've just scolded him. I'll even admit he is a pretty smart critter at some things--cause he knows he isn't supposed to pee in the house, and he goes in his crate to "punish himself" right after he does it. However, he cannot think for himself either--he always has to hang around and see what it is we are doing before he decides what he wants to do too, and he is so dependant on attention from humans for his own happiness.
However, I really enjoy my three cats more--they think for themselves and decide for themselves what they want to do. They never mess in the house, and they don't cause any trouble at all. Also, they are really loving and smart creatures too who can be perfectly happy by themselves without a human around for days. Somehow I just respect cats more than I do dogs because they are so much more independant and smarter, knowing what they want on their own.
That said, I know that even my pets are just animals--and they don't have souls and are not nearly as important on this earth as human beings. I figure we are here to help take care of them and they provide love in return. We are not here to enjoy their pain and suffering, and I do believe there is a special place in hell for folks who do.
How much easier is it to shoot a possum or snapping turtle than it is to shoot a dog? You cannot deny the cuteness factor.
I don't have a great love for pro sports figures who get paid obscene amounts of money and serve as role models for kids. When these players do stupid stuff and act up like Vick did, it is very easy for me to get a little chuckle when I think about how much fun his life in prison is going to be as a convicted animal torturer, and how much fun he is going to have in hell when he meets the dogs of hell!