Ray, for lack of any better name to call him, tuned the guy out as soon as he left the room. Striding straight over to the door, he pushed it open without a second's thought and was met with two paws diving for his stomach.

With a yelp, he stumbled back, batting the dog away, heart thundering in his ears from the shock. It barked playfully, tail wagging so manically Ray thought it might fly right off.

"Jesus Christ, get off me," he warned, trying to pass, only to have the dog get in his way each time. "This isn't fun anymore!"