Me: I’m impressed with Harriet.
Nell: Why? Because she started barking from 7am again this morning?
Me: I wish she wouldn’t do that. No. When Tony arrives you all rush to the gate.
Nell: Of course we do. It’s Tony.
Me: Yes. But sometimes Poppy is busy in the kitchen so Harriet dashes back to get her.
Nell: Yes, Harriet likes us all to greet Tony. She wants us to share in the joy of his visit before David monopolises him.
Me: Yes. It’s kind of her.
Nell: We Labradors are devoted to the concept of Sharing, you know.
Me: I’m not sure about that, Nell. You can be rather territorial about a bone.
Nell: Why do you think we watch you when you eat?
Me: Because you’re greedy?
Nell: Greedy? How can you say such a thing? We’re merely showing our interest and we know food is there to be shared.
Me: Not my food.
Nell: Who is greedy now?
Me: You never let me eat in peace.
Nell: Do we howl at you?
Me: No.
Nell: Or bark in a rude, demanding way?
Me: Like Poppy, you mean?
Nell: Poppy can be a little too forceful.
Me: You all just gaze at me.
Nell: With love.
Me: For my food. Not me.
Nell: Nonsense. How many times have I heard you say that people show their love for each other through food?
Me: True. It’s one of the things I miss most. There’s nothing like a family meal, or dinner with friends. Thanksgiving is an example.
Nell: My point exactly. Food is meant to be shared. Not greedily scoffed with no thought for others.
Me: I don’t scoff, thank you very much.
Nell: You have your moments. Just appreciate our involvement. Remember Sharing is Caring.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
