What's Up With Dogs

[RacersEdge]

I never really liked dogs much - and I hate the stereotype that you're not cool if you're not a "dog person".

What is it that makes owning dogs so popular? I mean they are messy - and smelly. You have to feed them, walk them, train them, take care of them. Some bark too much. They can tear up your stuff.

So with all that - why do so many people like/love dogs?

I'm really curious.