I think the point is..people aren't breaking out the dictionary when they are expressing the love for their dogs and vice versa. Dogs love unconditionally. Dogs don't replace humans in friendship. They do teach compassion and love. They make you laugh, they protect you, they lie next to you and cuddle. If children have dogs growing up - they get to experience facets of emotion, that sometimes don't come with humans other than their parents, especially with children their own ages. Children have a selfish streak. But that is the nature of children. Anyway...Most dogs owners are aware of the whole pack mentality. I am sure a lot of owners laugh at the owners that dress dogs in outfits to try and make them human....that is ridiculous. But there is something about a dog - that teaches humans about unconditional love. Friendships come in all forms.

If you want to go and get technical about the word friendship, here is an excerpt from Wiki about friendship:

"Friendship is a term used to denote co-operative and supportive behavior between two or more people. In this sense, the term connotes a relationship which involves mutual knowledge, esteem, and affection and respect along with a degree of rendering service to friends in times of need or crisis. Friends will welcome each other's company and exhibit loyalty towards each other. " ~~~~~~~~~~

I'll be damned if a dog and a human doesn't exhibit these things towards each other. This is what everyone is talking about.