Me: Dave’s a handsome hound, isn’t he?
Nell: David is a pedigree Labrador, not a beagle. There’s nothing of the hound about him.
Me: I meant it in a good way.
Nell: Labradors are gun dogs. We’re excellent at retrieving on land and water.
Me: You used to love chasing a ball and Harriet absolutely adores it, but Dave’s not bothered. He much prefers stealing tea towels.
Nell: David has excellent manners. He always brings a gift. I’m a lady Labrador of advanced years so my retrieving days are behind me.
Me: Talking of advanced years, I’m glad the activity field has these tree stumps. It means you and I can have a lovely sit down and a conversation while the others run around.
Nell: I wonder what the puppies have found over there.
Me: I really missed our face to face conversations when you were away.
Nell: It certainly looks like they’re having an enormous amount of fun.
Me: We’re having fun here, too.
Nell: And Kev seems to have a few treats about his person for good behaviour and as motivation.
Me: Talking to me could be seen as a treat.
Nell: I think I might join the others for a quick sniffari.
Me: Are you even listening to me?
Nell: The thing I love about the activity field is the freedom to go as one pleases.
Me: Don’t you mean come and go?
Nell: One can make one’s own decisions.
Me: Are you actually going?
Nell: Do I stay and chat, or join the others? The decision is mine.
Me: Well, thanks for the conversation, Nell. Let’s do it again some time.
Nell: Talking to yourself in a field is not a good look. Get up and join us. This is an activity field.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
