Me: Harriet seems a little tired this morning.
Nell: She’s on night duty. The hours can get to you after a while.
Me: You do know she sleeps too, don’t you? She’s not watching me all the time.
Nell: I think you’ll find she is. Harriet is very good at looking as if she’s asleep. It’s one of the skills we Labradors develop from quite an early age.
Me: She was snoring.
Nell: Clever little thing.
Me: And taking up most of the bed.
Nell: She’s been told to monitor you closely.
Me: Jim the Farm Dog has been out in the fields with the sheep since first thing.
Nell: He works hard.
Me: I think Harriet would rather be walking the fields with Jim than lying here with me.
Nell: We all have to make sacrifices. I had to cancel Book Club.
Me: Why?
Nell: I can’t be expected to discuss books with an invalid in the house.
Me: I’m not an invalid. I’ve just hurt my back. And I love talking about books.
Nell: You’re not invited.
Me: That’s a bit harsh.
Nell: Book Club isn’t open to everyone, you know. It’s very difficult to be accepted. Pamela has been trying for years.
Me: Pamela the Pyrenean Mountain Dog who commented on your weight at the vets?
Nell: Yes.
Me: I can see why she might not be on the list but you could make an exception for me.
Nell: Favouritism is frowned upon.
Me: What book were you supposed to be discussing?
Nell: ‘Meals I Ate By Mistake’ by David Martin.
Me: Our Dave? My Big Brave Beautiful Boy?
Nell: Yes.
Me: If that’s not Favouritism then I don’t know what is.
Nell: It’s a bestseller and was chosen by a majority vote.
Me: I see. Sorry.
