Me: This photo makes me laugh.
Nell: Oh good.
Me: Don’t be sarcastic. Poppy looks crazy and you look really annoyed.
Nell: I was trying to be reassuring and Poppy sabotaged me.
Me: She is a terrier. That’s what they do.
Nell: All my hard work with David and Harriet was cast aside.
Me: Is Dave ok?
Nell: He was doing well. We kept him close on the beach and he behaved. Until we got home, of course, and Poppy got involved.
Me: Oh dear.
Nell: After the excitement of the last few days I felt Kev needed reassurance and treats in front of the fire was the best idea for everyone.
Me: That makes sense.
Nell: Harriet and I went into the kitchen to reassure Kev but then Poppy came dashing in shouting that we were all going to do it the terrier way.
Me: Oh dear. What is the terrier way?
Nell: It’s complete chaos. Dancing on your back legs while barking and sticking your tongue out. Completely undignified.
Me: Not labradorian at all.
Nell: My exact words. But do you think they listened? No, they did not. Mutley began to bark. Harriet started bouncing and David rushed in with a blanket and pulled it through the water bowl. There was water everywhere.
Me: What did Kev do?
Nell: He laughed and laughed. Especially at me for looking grumpy.
Me: Were there any treats?
Nell: Yes, but wild thrown in the air treats not gentle ones in front of the fire.
Me: It actually sounds like fun, Nell. Maybe you should try the terrier way sometime too? Let your hair down.
Nell: I am a labrador. What on earth are you talking about? We have standards to maintain. Stuff and nonsense.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
