How cool is it that Barfly Mickey Rourke not only received the Best Actor nod at the Golden Globes but also thanked his dogs past and present for being there for him.  I was enamoured to say the least.  He was quoted saying in Rolling Stones some years back (I'm improvising) that his dogs kept him going and that they were his true friends.  It's amazing when a man is down and out the only thing that kept him going is his dogs...  I'm sure some other recreational activities did too but you can't deny that he loves his dogs.  His Chihuahua Loki is 17 1/2 years young and he hopes- knocking on wood- she'll be around for a little while longer. 

Dogs provide unconditional love, no attitude, and no facade.  They love and that's it.