The Sentinels there lies a leafy island

He was endeared, and broke into a broad grin when she babbled up at him cheerfully.  Sadly, his maneuver didn't work out quite the way he wanted it to.... instead of moving towards the den opening as prompted, she rolled over beneath the paw, squirming with delight and babbling enthusiastically.  His ears tipped sideways with concentration, and he nudged her slightly, hoping to roll her closer to the objective and get the point across.  "That way." he said gently, still unable to help smiling.  He took special care not to hurt her, but he would try a bit longer before giving in.

Eventually he would finally be forced to pick her up and bring her inside.  The cold was more a danger than his germs, though he did so with utmost care.