As soon as Divad walked over, Dagobert quickly let go of Dem's hand. It's not that he was embarrassed about Dem but he just did not think he was ready or comfortable enough to express himself in public.
He sighed when Divad asked him the question.
'It's my dog,' he said twiddling his thumbs, 'my sister just sent me a letter telling me he's not doing too well.'
Dagobert spotted a new girl walk in to the room and waved back at her giving her a friendly smile.