Therefore, he made a vigorous attempt to dry himself in a dog's way.

Throwing himself, shoulders first, upon the alley mud, he slid upon it, back downward; he rolled and rolled and rolled.

He began to feel lively and rolled the more; in every way he convinced Penrod that dogs have no regard for appearances.

Also, having discovered an ex-fish near the Herman and Verman cottage, Duke confirmed an impression of Penrod's that dogs have a peculiar fancy in the matter of odours that they like to wear.
Growing livelier and livelier, Duke now wished to play with his master.

Penrod was anything but fastidious; nevertheless, under the circumstances, he withdrew to the kitchen, leaving Duke to play by himself, outside.
Della, the cook, was comfortably making rolls and entertaining a caller with a cup of tea.