unrequited, unquestioning love- no guilt and no long term memory of how you screwed up yesterday (or last year) (or last decade) 

Pets fill two of the fundamental NEEDS of a fullfilled life.

To be needed and to be loved.

If you can't get it from people.....well, you know the dance.

Yes, you can have BOTH!

Richie - Unconditional love, and every once in a while they can really make you laugh. They always aim to please, and are always so, so, happy to see you.

What else do you need.

I have no idea Richie, probably because they need us and we feel the need to protect them.  And they seem to love us too, well dogs do anyway, who knows what cats are thinking...

I owned and operated a pet shop for 16 years...and I can not put a finger on one main reason.  Everyone has a different reason,.

I don't know, but I sure do love mine! They are always their for you, appreciate you more then anyone and are always loyal. 

Because they love us so much.

The more I deal with people, the more I like my dog

Richie Alan Naggar I think the driving force is they become part of the family.

I have a dog and two cats, all of my pets are rescued. They make my life busier and messier, but they bring smiles, joy, love~ how can you say No to that?

I wish I had some insight into this question, but I don't. I have pets and I love them. They are members of my family. I wouldn't leave my home without them. Although in my REO career I have seen some bad things and heard of things even worse than I've seen. I've also heard some great rescue stories. 

Richie,

They are good companions, they are fun, and they make you laugh...They just love you with out any reservations...A

They (I'm talking dogs here) love you no matter what.  They may bark, but they don't disrespect you and are always happy to see you.  How can you not love that face and those eyes and the wagging tail?

My dog is all I have... My dog is my family...  she loves me unconditionally... vizsla's are awesome.. I have the best pillow in the world

They don't expect anything from you but some food and love. Dogs tend to smile a lot too and I like that.

It's simple - unconditional love.

They need us.

Because dogs look at you and you understand what they are saying.  Cute, loving and they fill a spot in animal lovers hearts.