Life did happen, but it was still sad. He wasn't one to dismiss emotions, most of the time, at least.
It was lucky his back was to her when she spoke, because once the idea struck him he couldn't help the mischievous expression that crossed his face. She'd catch it immediately, he knew her, so he had to use the fact that she couldn't see him for now. He closed the Basenji's gate and locked it and moved on, trying not to smirk too much in case she caught up with him. "All right, let's try this then," he said, managing to keep his amusement from his voice as he knelt and opened a smaller kennel, reaching out and pulling out a smart, fluffy Pomeranian.