As of 3/2/09 we have owned this vacuum for over 3 months and our opinion hasn't changed at all. This has to be the best vacuum on the market. The DC25 Animal a variation of the DC25 and is designed for homeowners with pets and for picking up hair and has a HEPA filter for micro-sized dust and dander. We couldn't believe what it picked up the first time we used it and we continue to be amazed with how well it picks up dust, hair, and dirt from our carpet. The ball design makes it very easy to manouver around and through tight spaces. It is also very easy to remove and empty the collection cannister without having to deal with touching the dirt and other stuff it collects. Remounting the collection cannister back into place is also very easy.
This vacuum cost about twice as much as we had planned on spending for a new vacuum but it is a great example of you get what you pay for- and the DC25 Animal is definitely worth the price. The entire unit is well designed from the ball design, to the extension wand, all the way to how the attachments are mounted on the vacuum.