I've never had a dog growing up. Decided to get a pup about a year ago. Was a pain in the ass for the first 6 months but I stuck with the training every day and spending as much time with her as I could. Now at a year old she is the best thing in my life. My little loyal pal. She is essentially my shadow that follows me around everywhere. The adoration and love she shows me is unlike any other. When I get home it's pure joy. She runs around me, through my legs and presses up on me as hard as she can and then plops down and closes her eyes and naps because she can relax now that I'm home.
Seriously for those that don't have a dog, it's the best thing you can do in your life. After one year I cannot imagine how my life can be the same without her in it.