Yes, he made everyone smile around him. Dogs sure have the capability of giving unconditional love, I have seen it many times in many breeds with many different owners. I am always happy to see when the love is reciprocated to them. Good owners can create good dogs and bad owners can create bad dogs. Like all creatures, (us included) can have their little ticks or individual problems. When the dog though replaces your family as the companion needed, then it is a problem. Include them in the pack, but don't forget to spend quality time with your family and friends too. Some people become obsessed with their pets, dressing them up, taking them for long walks, but never sharing time with their spouse or kids. Sometimes even replaces what they might need with humans by only socializing with their dogs. It can be a fine line for some. Although some people I have encountered in life , I would almost rather have a dog as my best friend then a phony who would use and abandon you. Glad you have the chance to experience that love with your Labrador!
What you say is true. Dogs' capacity for loyalty and love is something very special which I think some people fail to see, while others might get fixated on it. But if there's a healthy relationship between human and pet then dogs truly can be 'man's best friend!'
I agree 100%. They can not, nor should not replace the love we need to have for our family, spouses, friends, etc... but they can certainly teach us tolerance, loyalty and a love that many could still learn!