I got attacked by an Akita once. It was my grandmother's. I do not like big dogs at all... but I love my 8 lb. shih tzu, Savannah! She is the apple of my eye! The love of my life! My road dawg! LOL!! The center of my universe! My wheel in the middle of a... oh wait... anyway, you get the picture. I love my Vannah and my Vannah loves me!
Before I moved to DC, I had 3 cats, then 2 (had to get rid of one). Cats are just as loyal and caring as dogs are. Mine were so compassionate. If you think a cat doesn't need you, try not putting any water out and see what happens. Better yet, try leaving them in the house alone for days and see what happens. They need affection and attention, they're just not as needy as dogs.
Shucks, even my turtles required a lot of attention... they start banging on the glass if you walk by too many times without stopping to say hello!