Oh, but the dogs do care. Humans are friends! Human give scritches, and throw the ball, and play tug-of-war, and most importantly, humans give treats. One of the office dogs perks up as soon as South passes by, tongue lolling gleefully out of its mouth. It stands and stretches, yawning, then pads over to her and paws at her knee.

Give treat? Treat for good boy? Please?

So far, the office drones haven't noticed. South can see a treat jar, right at the desk next to the fellow who'd made the hideous coffee. Directly in his line of sight. Does she trust her new gifts, or take the risk of the dog raising a noisy fuss?