We have always spoiled our dogs to some degree.
First dog: Spaniel mix. Picked out by our then 4 year old son (he is 37 now). Got out of his fenced area and was hit by a car. Two surgeries later, and a prognosis he would not live to five. He lived until 12. Yeah, got spoiled.
Second dog: Pure bred Corgi. Got her while the old guy was still around. I think it added a few years to the old guys life. They were best buddies. I would tie two old tube socks together, hand them each an end, and they would play tug o war until they both got tired.
One Sunday, on their "birthday", we took them to the local Frozen custard place (Ted Drewes, if you are from STL, you know it). Convertible, top down, two dogs in the back seat reaching up to eat their "kiddie" cups on the back. We actually drew a crowd to watch.
Last dog (still around, but the last we intend to have): Mixed Corgi. Spoiled rotten, but in a good way, I think. We can leave her for 6-10 hours without worrying (don't do that much any more, heck, I can't go that long). Great with people and kids (not so much other dogs). She knows the routine for treats/snacks. No begging at the table, but there is usually something for her after. Just a little bit.
What do we get? Unconditional affection