Nell: That’s Marvin and Toby.
Me: Yes. I thought people would like to see them.
Nell: Marvin is annoyed with Chris and Shannon. They left him behind in Toronto for a whole week.
Me: They went to a wedding and then to see the family in Berlin. They couldn’t come and see us because they didn’t want to leave Marvin for too long.
Nell: They were still gone for a whole week.
Me: The trouble with you dogs is you aren’t that clear on time.
Nell: I’m extremely clear on time, thank you very much.
Me: Fine. Apart from you. You’re the exception to the rule.
Nell: It’s part of my job. You can’t run this household without keeping to a timetable.
Me: Don’t we know it.
Nell: Toby certainly has a lot of his Uncle David about him.
Me: Yes. Sue sent me the photo. She says he’s the best.
Nell: Don’t let David hear that. He thinks he’s the best.
Me: Dave and Tony are best buddies but Toby is Tony and Sue’s best boy and Marvin is Chris and Shannon’s.
Nell: Who’s their best girl?
Me: They don’t have one.
Nell: You do.
Me: I have several best girls. You and Harriet and Poppy.
Nell: I noticed I came first.
Me: I love you all, Nell and I always will. Can we talk about the delivery man now, please? Kev said there was an incident yesterday.
Nell: Part of a Labrador’s job is to let all newcomers know we’re on duty and guarding our home.
Me: You chased him down the drive.
Nell: Yes, that was fun.
Me: It was very naughty. Kev had to explain you were harmless.
Nell: I am not.
Me: You’re all bark, Nell, and you shouldn’t have done that.
Nell: No. Sorry.
