I have three dogs: a 5-y.o. German Shepherd, a 3-y.o. ShepherdXChow, and a mutt puppy who is something over 6 months.
I live alone in the woods, a half-mile from the nearest dirt road. The Shepherd and XChow give me companionship and a measure of protection. They keep the armadillos from digging under the house, and they help keep down the rodent population which in turn discourages snakes. The GSD is a wonder at finding snakes, as well. When she finds one, she will "tree" it (sort of round it up and keep it in one place by barking and darting in circles around it) until I can determine whether it's poisonous and, if it is, shoot it. They're also excellent at disposing of the flying squirrels who keep trying to make a home in my attic.
I have a tendency to live inside my own head, and the dogs do a good job of keeping me attached to the present physical world. I love watching them running through the woods or chasing each other in the afternoon sun. The GSD is sharp as a tack, and her games and antics always amuse me. They force me to enjoy life outside myself, when I might otherwise have a tendency to grow reclusive and excessively introspective. They cheer and refresh me after a long day of teaching, helping me focus on the positive and let go of the negative.
I found the mutt puppy under my house last October. She was almost dead, a little skeleton who hadn't the strength to stand. I was afraid at first she wouldn't pull through, but she did. She's a funny little thing whose skittish enthusiasm always makes me laugh. She's my little mystery dog who managed to survive long enough to find a home.
That's what I get from them. From me, they get good food, good water, a dry place in the rain, security, and intelligent play. They have a stable pack with a competent leader. Also, they are (usually) free of fleas and ticks as well as internal parasites. They will not die of preventable dog-diseases becuase their shots are up-to-date. They will most likely live longer, healthier, and more comfortable lives than their wild cousins. The mutt puppy would be dead already if I hadn't found her.