Me: I’m ever so worried about Dave.
Nell: Leave him be. He is Dealing with Disappointment. A valuable life skill.
Me: So, Tony never came?
Nell: No. David waited a long time but we think Tony may have gone on his Easter break.
Me: Poor darling Dave.
Nell: He is very low but he is being brave and Harriet is consoling him.
Me: Bless her.
Nell: Anyway, David has earned extra points for excellent Waiting Skills yesterday and his report card is looking a lot better.
Me: He has a report card?
Nell: Of course. Both he and Harriet have had one since they started training.
Me: Did you tell him Tony will be back next week?
Nell: I did and we agreed that he can meet him at the gate and a little jumping is allowed due to the length of separation.
Me: He still looks very low.
Nell: It’s nothing that some good sea air and a swim won’t solve. As I explained to both David and Harriet, a labrador has to learn many things and Dealing with Disappointment is one of the hardest.
Me: Yes.
Nell: I, myself, am constantly disappointed by you, for instance.
Me: Well, that’s not very nice. I’m sure Kev disappoints you too.
Nell: Maybe, But I can’t think of anything he has done right now.
Me: Typical. I’ve probably got a report card I don’t know about.
Nell: You have.
Me: Seriously? Can I see it?
Nell: You cannot.
Me: That’s not fair.
Nell: Deal with the Disappointment.
Me: Can I get extra points then?
Nell: Enough.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
