the 27 inches tall and 75 pounds of heavy dog appears like a mischievous toddler has splattered streaks of black paint over a white background , giving the illusion of a navy blue coat on the dogs fur . `` please make sure he 's taken care of while we 're gone . '' rubbing his hands together , partly to keep warm , partly out of excitement , he told him about the secret passageway . `` not a problem , '' amy said with a forced smile as they walked forward . what a god-awful day this was turning out to be . 