Suggest why Looksmart seems so pre occupied with the dogs

Looksmart is initially concerned that the house-lights are off and that no one is home.In the kitchen he notices a pot bubbling on the stove .There is a sense of emptiness and neglect and he remembers the grander days of three course meals three times a day.He hears Patricia calling 'Beauty' and when he sees Patricia he feels'a hurch' After a while he greets her but she doesnt react with delight or excitement .It has been 25 years since they last saw each other