Her mirth was genuine and her eyes crinkled shut as she chuckled. Oh, the poor man. Oh! The poor terrier. The only character she didn't feel sorry for was the roof, really. Buffy dropped her fork and leaned back at such a dramatic angle that it seemed impossible she should still be balanced. But balanced she was, and she hugged her gut as she laughed more and...

"The gnats of the dog world, really. Please tell me you didn't get bitten. Or -- if you did -- I think it's safe to say you're rabies-free, given how long you've been here. Fingers crossed."

And she lifted a pair of so-crossed fingers, still shaking with laughter.