I know the dog owner is mostly worried about you coming back at him for claims against his dog.
It sucks that happened and it especially sucks that it was a rott and then everyone has to think.. what if... with their reputation...
I'm sure he's thinking about that, but he also seems to be concerned with me personally. I think I am cynical enough to know when someone is sincere and when they're not, and this guy seems sincere. He may also be worried about losing his dog, though I do not know whether that's a possibility or not. The animal control officer didn't mention it to me or him.