Is it because they require a modicum of nurturing to another living being?
Dogs are like an emotional mirror. They reflect what they're given ten-fold. Show a dog a bit of kindness and it'll respond with unconditional love. Show your dog enthusiasm and it will follow you to the ends of the earth. Show the dog stoic patience and it will loyally wait at your side forever.
Of course, the reverse is true. Dogs that are neglected grow neurotic and destructive. Dogs that are abused become vicious in turn. If you treat a dog like you treat "the help", then they become obnoxious, needy, petulant, and mean. You end up with an animal reflecting all the worse characteristics of yourself. Who would want that?
Dogs are like an emotional mirror. They reflect what they're given ten-fold. Show a dog a bit of kindness and it'll respond with unconditional love. Show your dog enthusiasm and it will follow you to the ends of the earth. Show the dog stoic patience and it will loyally wait at your side forever.
Of course, the reverse is true. Dogs that are neglected grow neurotic and destructive. Dogs that are abused become vicious in turn. If you treat a dog like you treat "the help", then they become obnoxious, needy, petulant, and mean. You end up with an animal reflecting all the worse characteristics of yourself. Who would want that?