A few hours prior to attending an event several weeks ago, I met up with an online acquaintance and his wife who had come into town. We knew beforehand that a local animal shelter was invited to the event and would bring a couple of their dogs with the hope that they would be adopted by attendees. I can admit it was a sweet initiative. I didn't know this couple very well, but I met them in person once a few years ago. It was nice to kill some time by chatting with them about the evening ahead, except for...