I certainly didn't spot the dog (no pun... okay, yes, accidently intended) in the dark, and I'm happier not seeing it. As remarked, one sees what's obvious and often that's more than enough to satisfy the instant gratification gene that lives today in our heads. Without that instantaneous click things get passed so rapidly that they are forgotten before they are even off the screen. Just like today's pop!
I like the shot just as it is, and think that additional cropping, rejigging turns a grab into a contrive. Leave well enough alone; life doesn't always require ultimate perfection which, anyway, often equates with absolute boredom.
Rob C