Me: Poppy and Dave are playing tug of war again.
Nell: Good. I want David to continue his training.
Me: It looks suspiciously like one of my tea towels shredded to pieces.
Nell: Don’t dwell on the insignificant. Look at the excellent technique. See how fiercely Poppy is gripping it.
Me: She’s fierce alright.
Nell: And how careful and gentle David is being.
Me: Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: Knitwear Wolf is extremely pleased with his progress.
Me: Knitwear Wolf is?
Nell: Yes. He has been talking to David and the larger animals about Knowing Your Own Strength and Using It Wisely.
Me: So Dave is in the larger animals group?
Nell: David is in several groups, but that’s not the point.
Me: No.
Nell: Knitwear Wolf says larger animals must think twice before engaging with smaller feistier ones.
Me: Like Poppy?
Nell: Yes.
Me: Or Gladys?
Nell: Exactly. A large animal can easily find itself in an awkward situation. The trick is to remain calm.
Me: It’s interesting to hear you say that, because I am always so impressed with the bigger dogs on our walks. When Poppy starts shouting at them they just look at her in complete amazement.
Nell: Ah yes. The Puzzled Look.
Me: I wish Poppy wouldn’t shout.
Nell: Don’t we all.
Me: I had a good start to my Monday, by the way.
Nell: Why?
Me: I was chatting to my good friend Walt in Queensland, Australia about his dog Traynor. He has a question for Chloe for The Growl on Sunday.
Nell: Walt does?
Me: No. Traynor the Kelpie. He’s nearly 12 and has arthritis like you. His days of mustering cattle and sheep are over.
Nell: Like me? I’ve never mustered anyone in my life.
Me: No, of course you haven’t. Sorry.
