Me: Nell, you have to come and look at Dave.
Nell: Why?
Me: He is absolutely adorable.
Nell: That isn’t his bowl.
Me: I know.
Nell: His bowl is small.
Me: Yes, I know.
Nell: Because he is still a puppy.
Me: A giant puppy but yes, you are right. But look Nell, he is just like Oliver Twist saying “Please sir, can I have some more?”
Nell: I beg your pardon.
Me: You know. One of Dickens’ most famous books. Dear little Oliver.
Nell: I know Dickens. Most Labradors do. I, myself am named after one of his heroines Little Nell. But David is not a poor starving orphan and he is certainly not little.
Me: How could anyone resist that little face.
Nell: David stole that bowl. It is mine.
Me: Perfect. Oliver was forced to steal by Fagin and the Artful Dodger.
Nell: I despair of you sometimes I really do.
