Me: Well done. You’ve reached your ideal weight. Emily the Vet is very pleased with you.
Nell: I still object to the public weigh in.
Me: There is no other way.
Nell: Yes, but shouting it out like that. You wouldn’t like it.
Me: I wouldn’t. It’s bad enough without anyone watching.
Nell: The new collar and lead are most welcome, however. I have been wearing a boy’s collar for far too long.
Me: Yes, although it was a way of you being incognito. Some people thought you were called Neil.
Nell: Do I look like a Neil?
Me: Not really. We might need to create an alias though. When we are undercover.
Nell: Eleanor will do.
Me: Or Petronella. That sounds like a spy.
Nell: I’m hoping you and I won’t need to go undercover as it is definitely not one of your strengths.
Me: But we need to find out if Gelato is friend, or foe.
Nell: Yes. I know. That’s why David is about to go and see him. But no eating ice cream. It’s part of his Avoiding Temptation training.
Me: Poor hungry boy.
Nell: He had a large breakfast so he is not a hungry boy and stop mollycoddling him. He is two now and can stand on his own four paws.
Me: Yes.
Nell: So, let’s hope he gets the job.
Me: What job?
Nell: Selling ice cream for Gelato, of course. Do keep up. Is that him leaving now?
Me: Yes. I’m not sure he should have dressed as a gondolier. Although the hat suits him and I like the moustache.
Nell: He isn’t carrying a pole is he? Only they actually use a paddle. It’s a mistake people often make.
Me: No, don’t worry, just Gladys in your handbag.
Nell: Unbelievable.
Me: Sorry.
