Me: Why are the puppies under the kitchen table?
Nell: They are hiding from sequinned ponchos and by the way nobody in their right mind could think David was a puppy.
Me: It’s a sign of affection. You know it’s my special name for you. You love it when Kev and I call you ‘Pup’.
Nell: Do you mind not revealing all of my personal secrets to the world?
Me: Anyway, what’s scary about sequinned ponchos?
Nell: You obviously haven’t seen them. It took us half an hour to get Mutley out of his. They are vast and snaggly.
Me: Is snaggly a word?
Nell: It is when you get snaggled by one of those ponchos. The sequins get caught in your fur and they are so heavy. Malcolm lost a feather.
Me: Gosh.
Nell: David is actually scared of his.
Me: Is that why you’re whispering?
Nell: Yes. If he hears the word ‘Poncho’ he runs away. Harriet is protecting him.
Me: Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: Less of the brave. Poppy is carrying her sword around ready to strike if someone tries to throw a poncho over her head.
Me: It doesn’t really bode well for sales, though, does it? I mean if the models are scared of them.
Nell: Not everyone is. Gladys simply adores them. She has two. A day poncho and an evening one.
Me: Really?
Nell: Yes. She says you can leave your fur unbrushed without fear of discovery.
Me: True.
Nell: Pamela the Pyrenean Mountain Dog uses hers to change under when she’s on the beach.
Me: Now that is a good idea but I don’t think I’m a poncho kind of person.
Nell: Then steer clear of The Cat and please try and whisper when you say that word.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
