Dyson DC15 Animal Vacuum Review

I have had the DC17 Animal for about a year. I have 4 floors, 3 carpeted (stairs too) and the main floor hardwood with area rugs. I have always had at least 6 large dogs sharing their home with me. I have gone through NUMEROUS regular vacuums, most costing about 250 - 350 dollars each, lasting about 4-5 years and not performing that well. I plunged into the vacuum debate; Dyson vs. Oreck. Both spendy compared to the mass of vacuums (done with them) so I took time and researched. I had to evaluate WHO the reviews were being written by. (ie; one sales rep. vs. another.) Not saying that they would do that, so I visited a LOT of sites and talked to local vac. folks..... hey, you gotta be smart. Among other qualities, I decided on the Dyson because it's a all in one machine. I don't want to get to the 4th floor and have to go get the hand vac for the stairs, or the corners, etc. It's all right there with me. I read about how it "ate" area rugs on the hard floor, sure, it would. I just use the extension power brush on the rugs and turn off the rotator brush for the hardwood. It's very easy to grab the extension hose and do this. Positive outweighs the extra step in this department. I read that the bagless system was bad because when you empty it, the dust blows around. For cripes sake, walk out the front door and put it in a paper bag on the porch!!! I read that it "eats the fiber of carpet" because it's so powerful...No, it's just cleaned out years of lint, hair and dirt the other vacuums couldn't touch. I read that it's too heavy. It is heavier, but no more that your average full accesory machine, and its big wheels roll up/down the stairs easily enough. I read that it scratches hardoowd floors. Just this summer I refinished my oak floor and the only thing that scratched it was my hungry Dobie at dinner time. All in all, go for the Dyson. Even if you have a single story house, you won't be lifting it anyway right? The convenience of all in one is worth it and no bags. The ONLY thing I would suggest with the Dyson is that the extension hose be just a bit longer. Average stairs are 13 steps and it's a real challenge to get that middle step. It may be a design constraint but it would be an improvement if it were just a bit longer. And if the wheels were a bit larger and stuck out the back more, it could help with mobility up/down stairs. I look forwrad to MANY years with my Dyson.