Why own a dog?

Dog's seem to take up a lot of time and money, why would anyone want one? As a dog owner I rarely think of this question but when I try to go on vacation my dog seems more of a burden then a blessing. It is hard to find someone who will watch your dog for you while you are gone and there is hardly ever a place you can take your dog with you when you are going on vacation. As you call all your friends and family you hear various reasons why they can't take your dog. Some of the excuses being that the landlord doesn't allow dogs, I have to work during the day, I have a lot of expensive items in my house he will ruin, he might go to the bathroom in the house, etc. Hearing all these reasons for why someone cannot take a dog for two days makes me wonder how I have owned my dog for 2 years and hardly ever think of him as a problem. Owning a dog has been a great experience for me. When I come home he is waiting patiently for me, tail wagging. When I need to go for a walk to ponder the day, he is ready, leash in mouth. When I need to feel a sense of accomplishment I can run through the tricks I have taught him. When I need a smile, he has always found a way to brighten my day. So despite the money, despite the rare occasion when he tears up a plastic bag or some paper, or when he had an accident, I still love owning a dog.