Me: Look at our darling Marvin over in Toronto. He’s such a grown up boy now.
Nell: How can anyone be a grown up boy?
Me: Some animals, and people, stay boys all their lives. Kev has never lost his boyishness.
Nell: If you say so.
Me: And Dave will always be my darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: I hope you don’t imagine I’m still a girl.
Me: No. You were middle aged when you were a puppy.
Nell: I beg your pardon?
Me: You’ve always known your own mind, Nell.
Nell: That’s true.
Me: It’s what I love about you.
Nell: Dear Marvin is a sensitive animal. He struggles with self confidence and needs a great deal of support.
Me: I think a lot of rescue dogs do. Mutley was the same at first.
Nell: Hard to believe now. He is so wise.
Me: His advice certainly helped us all with Sven Gully.
Nell: Yes. Have you seen Ramson Hunter this morning?
Me: No. Is he here again?
Nell: Yes. He was Gliding with Gladys and the llamas earlier.
Me: Seriously?
Nell: He enjoyed the dancing so much at the weekend he decided to come back.
Me: I’m glad you warned me.
Nell: Between you and me, the sheep are all of a flutter.
Me: Really?
Nell: Having a handsome ram around with piercing blue eyes has caused quite a stir in the field.
Me: Gosh.
Nell: The llamas are dreadfully giddy.
Me: Oh dear.
Nell: But, as I said to my friend Dorothy, ‘That’s llamas for you. They’ve always been a few biscuits short of a bowl.’
Me: That’s a bit harsh.
Nell: Just saying.
Me: You’re a dreadful gossip on the sly, aren’t you?
Nell: I’m merely telling you how it is.
Me: Of course. Sorry.
