Well, that last poke did it -- reminded me I had been thinking about getting the first Pug book for my sister-in-law, who has a pug (poor lady). I think it counts as a gesture of sympathy.
Still, Snuggles (the dog, not my sister-in-law) is always glad to see me (even when I've only left the room a minute ago), so I guess I'm not overdoing it.
Thanks, Dave, for all the snickers and chortles (really!) from a retired guy who doesn't look anything like Gramps.
...
I wouldn't lie about this.