I had a dog for thirteen years. She was my best friend. I lavished love and attention on her and she responded in kind. She would kiss me when I protected her and on one occasion I am sure she apprehended me as a mutually conscious being. I conform my expectations to the dog's character and do not expect them to conform to me. Dogs absorb their owner's personalities. They are vicious or warm-hearted depending on their owner's character. They are of tremendous value to family life. No human I have ever met is as loyal and compassionate as a dog. They sense invisible things about us. If we are sick they know it and will stay by our side to comfort us. They are the definition of happiness.