Lost keys

The look and body language are distinct. Dog stares and paces. They are thinking through a confusing situation. The demeanor and tone indicate this is not a need-to-go outside moment. Now baffled, the dog doesn't know two critical components. One, what is happening here? Second, why is this moment so confusing? In summation, a dog-personification of the recent Bush presidency.  The deer-in-halogen headlights look is also similar to a mall customer finishing a purchase then noticing something unsettling. Where are the car keys? It's an empty-stomach sensation.  Double-dip roller coasters offer a similar sensation, as did eight years of W.  Of course dogs don't have keys, just like presidents.  Yet around here dogs can earn the designation of having lost their keys by looking confused, bewildered or like our 41st President.