Me: Happiness is an interesting thing, isn’t it?
Nell: Here we go.
Me: You love to go down to the beach.
Nell: Yes, I do.
Me: But it’s a controlled sort of happiness.
Nell: What are you talking about?
Me: A gentle amble, sand under your paws, sniff the seaweed sort of feeling.
Nell: Yes, I suppose it is.
Me: You could just as easily be by the river. In fact I think you enjoy paddling in the river more.
Nell: I like the fact that I can cool my paws while drinking the cool, clear water.
Me: And our river walk is near the Garden Centre so there’s usually time for tea and a slice of cake.
Nell: Life is always better with cake.
Me: For Harriet going to the beach is her absolute heaven. It’s an ears back, paw raised, big smile happiness.
Nell: Yes.
Me: It’s a dashing into the sea, chasing the Beefies, surfing the waves kind of joy.
Nell: Harriet certainly loves the sea.
Me: It’s like her home. She sings all the way there.
Nell: I wish she wouldn’t do that.
Me: It is a little screechy.
Nell: And David doesn’t have to join in.
Me: My darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy sort of hums. It’s adorable.
Nell: If you say so.
Me: I’m sure Harriet is really a merdog.
Nell: There’s no such thing.
Me: You don’t know that.
Nell: I most certainly do. Stop getting carried away.
Me: I bet Arctic Bob has seen a few merdogs in his time as a travelling walrus.
Nell: Don’t go bothering Arctic Bob with your nonsense. He’s enjoying a mackerel breakfast.
Me: A mackerel breakfast is probably Arctic Bob’s idea of happiness.
Nell: Only if he’s allowed to eat it in peace.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
