The number and sheer vehemence of postings to this thread in response to Rochester's criticism of dogs is proof that many people regard them more affection than their children.
Personally I loath them - filthy noisy creatures that are downright paranoid at the best of times. But I would never harm one deliberately - just avoid it.
There are dogs in Arabia - but only working dogs on farms. No self respecting Arabian home would allow a dog to live in the house. After all - the prophet declared them to be unclean animals.
Cats on the other hand have been part of the culture here for yonks - going back to pharonic times.
Question - are there any dog free compounds over there?