Johnny's Got My Back

Johnny's got my back. In other words, he follows me around like ... well, like a puppy I guess. Sometimes I feel like Sully on Monsters Inc., when Boo first appears. He thinks she isn't there, but she's right there behind him, full of playful innocence.
Nicholas believes that Johnny likes him, really likes him a lot. Nicholas calls Johnny his brother. For now, he says.
It is amazing to me how walking a small puppy attracts people to talk to you. This morning, a man pet Johnny while I went into the corner market to get coffee. I hesitating going in because Johnny was acting very nervous about me leaving him out there with all the scary car noises and such. The man told me about his rescue dog, was not in a rush, and was happy to stay with Johnny while I got coffee.
Several neighbors have initiated conversation prompted by seeing the dog; neighbors with whom a simple hello is all that passes between us.
None of them seemed to 'get' what fostering a dog meant. All of them had dogs, most of them also rescues. One neighbor in particular was especially taken by the pup, and I found out from his wife later that he wants a third dog. Perhaps Johnny will be my neighbor? That would be weird and wonderful. I know he'd be well cared for and loved, plus he'd have canine playmates - both of whom he has already met.