The dog is also looking up at el viejoand his expression is also one of anticipation.  However, here we have apprehension, not glee.  The dog is seen tucked into a discarded box, not characteristic dog behavior.  He is hoping to hide from the old man.  Given the gentle demeanor of the old man, coupled with the fact that the other animals are not at all ill at ease, the dog's attitude piques the reader's curiousity.  That curiousity is satisfied on the next page when we see Coco immersed in the soapiest of baths.  Coco's prior apprehension indicates that this, too, has happened before.  The chicken perched on Coco's hiding place contributes to the feeling that the old man's garden is a "peaceable kingdom" --no harm comes to its inhabitants-- there are no chicken --chasing dogs no matter what natural inclinations might exist.

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