Of course, there is anthropomorphizing that goes on when people talk to or about their pets. I don't actually think my cat is 'proud' when she catches her little string toy, but the way she acts looks like she's proud of herself.

But to say that dogs or cats are incapable of experiencing or feeling complex emotions like love is misguided. There are many, many studies from both a behavioral perspective, as well as physiological studies of their brains, that veritably prove that dogs and cats, and even other pets can 'love'.

Your dog is excited to see you and does experience happiness and contentment from your presence. Your dog does love you. Also, cats can care just as much as dogs do.