< misplaced lilypads, a dog of cowardice, a dog of kindness
I have acquired the (bad) habit, if I see someone walking a dog, of saying "Hello dog!" ("Ciao cane!" in Italian) before I greet the owner.
I would say that's a good habit! If you ask the dog, at least.
Dogs seem to love me, wherever I go dogs come right to me, as if knowing I'm always happy to give them a good petting.