Me: Look at you in the water, Nell. Your little legs are working away.
Nell: Where did you get those from?
Me: Chloe sent them to me. She thought I’d like to see how well you’re doing and how calm and well behaved you are during your therapy sessions.
Nell: Calm and well behaved? I’ve taken tea with The Queen. I should think I know exactly how to behave in all situations.
Me: Yes. I know. Chloe is ever so pleased with you.
Nell: Well, I’m glad. She is a sweet young lady and I enjoy spending time with her.
Me: The feeling is mutual. In fact I think you might just be one of her favourites.
Nell: Most kind.
Me: You’re a really special dog, Nell.
Nell: Enough sentimentality. We have things to discuss.
Me: Ok.
Nell: Now, my friend Dorothy says Pamela noticed a lion in Barks and Spencer yesterday afternoon.
Me: Is that Pamela the Pyrenean Mountain Dog?
Nell: Yes.
Me: I expect the lion noticed her too.
Nell: Not necessarily. Pamela can be extremely discreet for a large animal. Unlike some.
Me: What’s that supposed to mean?
Nell: You know perfectly well. Anyway, the lion bought a packet of cheese straws and a pair of pyjamas.
Me: Interesting choice.
Nell: Yes. It says llama to me.
Me: I agree.
Nell: The lion paid with a card.
Me: Contactless?
Nell: Naturally. It won’t have The Cat’s PIN number.
Me: Why hasn’t The Cat blocked its card?
Nell: Sally asked it not to. She’s covered the outstanding payments so it can still be used.
Me: That’s excellent news. The Cat can shop at Barks again.
Nell: Not without its card it can’t.
Me: It could use cash.
Nell: Cash? The Cat doesn’t do cash.
Me: Of course. Sorry.
