they're cute and they give me attention which is really all I want

Right? Raccoons and foxes are way better animals to be crazy about.

I think its ingrained at this point.

Dogs boost my self-esteem, and cats keep me humble.

useful and cute companions
my skin's not too crazy about them myself tough

Because they're soft

Because they are easier to love than a 200 pound Floridian

Dogs are cute but it does go too far like putting them before humans and trying to ban people's activities because of them like trying to ban fireworks because they are supposed to scare dogs

I wonder too.Animals give illnesses to humans

Because they're so cute and adorable and loving and loyal and funny! (Okay, cats aren't loyal. and it's debatable whether they're loving, but dogs are)

It's neat to be able handle animals. Most animals in nature will run away from you.

Cats and dogs are like people but nicer. =P