[Maximus of Texas]

It's not so much a "need" thing. It's more that you're wanting some acknowledgment that they like you,that you're not just another kneading contraption.

[Fawn]

My cats show me they love me all the time.....they come to me allt he time and want to sit on my shoulder, whatever to get petted...they love to play, be brushed and talked too. They are clean, neat, quiet, adorable, intelligent, small, friendly, funny, playful, stay still, don't drool, don't stink, don't have to be let out or walked...i could go on and on.
A dog is like having a smelly kid.

[Fawn]

My neigbors dumb little dog barks after I get to sleep (around 11:00-11:30)....or early in the morning when I can sleep in....I hate that little dog. It barks morning ...noon and night.....noisy stinky things.

[Serb5150]

My cat lets me know all day, every day that she loves me. She's a sweet girl, very people oriented, and the best pet I've ever had.

Don't get me wrong - I've had dogs in the past and I love them to bits, but they're too needy and very high maintenance. Not to mention that doggie smell...