[On the plus side, as soon as the ears are hidden, he seems to be doing better right away! Though the sigh he heaves out is a little shaky...]

--I'll be fine! I'm fine. [HE'S FINE.] Goodness, this is hardly something I expected I'd have to deal with on a boat of all places. Didn't mean to spook you, there - sorry!

[His ears perk back up a little though, as the DOG FEAR finally starts to ebb away. He even takes a step forward again!]

I'm sure you'd be a very cute dog to people who enjoy them.