In case you're wondering, yes, other people noticed, and they most likely empathized with YOU.

One time i was at a gay outdoor bar with a lesbian friend and her dog. Another woman came to our table and started talking to my friend, the both of them ignoring me. Next thing you know, my friend's dog (a beautiful chocolate lab) comes over and starts loving on me, getting the attention and admiration and practically APPLAUSE of EVERYBODY on the patio. Except for the two witches at my table, of course, who had the grace to look slightly sheepish.