You can pet the dog in this game. To be more specific, in a later level you can pet the flying robo-dawg as part of the level puzzle. 

I have 31-levels now complete, two that need audio and play-doh art (including the robo-dawg level), some sundry art to make, and ideas for the last number of levels. Initially I had thought of aiming for 50-60 caves but, considering how slow progress is, I will aim for 34-36 caves. Still aiming for an early 2021 release so stay tuned.