OK, I retired my Kirby (too heavy and hard to use the attachments) for a Dyson. Like Meg, I have the original "yellow" one. I love it! Three cats and two long-haired dogs along the way - it is amazing on pet fur! It is a cinch to clean - even if you need to clean the roller brush, and the attachments are quick and easy to use.
When it dies, I will buy the purple-pet one. I think Amazon is having a sale on the refurb soon.
Here is the link - and it will be $199 starting the 15th (thru the 16th I think)