It's a dog's life

Time was when we had our own dog as a pet. Only a small poodle, but he was as much part of the family as any animal we've owned.
But that was some little while ago and we consciously took the decision we would not have another. Not a cat which we also had and loved equally.
So what was it that made this Staffie know that it could look for affection from me, or even decide it could unleash it's affection on me!
No sooner had we arrived at son Robert and wife Jo's place for a visit than their pet was lavishing all the affection it could muster on us. At least I think it was affection because it seemed to resist any attempt to encourage her to lie still. Then in the garden this afternoon as I tried to take this Blip photo, she insisted on being at my feet all through the anticipated photo shoot.
It seems I'm just soft with animals!