Boy can I relate with you when it comes to dogs. I'm not a cat person at all, but to me, a good dog is a member of the family, and I've always wondered why "man's best friend" doesn't live up to 80 years or so, like we humans do.
My favorite dog was named Spunky, a very intelligent black and white Lab. When it came to me, he was the personification of unconditional love. Keep his food and water bowl filled and give him regular walks and hugs now and then (he loved hugs), and you were good to go.
You're never alone if you have a good dog around. :)