That was mostly because his most pitiful expression was way more effective on baby sisters than it had been on, say, his drill sergeant, a hard-hearted man who was only sympathetic to actual puppies.

"Are you afraid I'm going to steal the shoes out from under you?" Though it's a thought. Headtilt. "Leona'd be horribly jealous. But they probably don't come in my size."

Alas. Another perfect prank foiled by sizing.