Me: You know we were discussing your behaviour at the Dog and Dash activity field yesterday?
Nell: Yes. You said I was adorable.
Me: That was one of the things I said, and you are indeed adorable, but there was something I forgot to mention.
Nell: What?
Me: Nobody else was allowed in the semicircle.
Nell: Weren’t they?
Me: Dave tried several times and had to stay on the outside looking in. Poor Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: I didn’t notice.
Me: Yes, you did. You gave him one of your hard stares.
Nell: You came into my semicircle. You sat on one of the tree trunks.
Me: I was only allowed in because you knew I would give you a biscuit.
Nell: Talking of biscuits, do you think you could bring a flask of Earl Grey with you next time? And maybe a few scones, or a piece of lemon drizzle cake and a selection of sandwiches, crusts off?
Me: It’s an activity field, Nell.
Nell: Conversation is an activity. So is afternoon tea, if you think about it.
Me: The thing is, you can’t shut the others out of the semicircle.
Nell: They’re welcome to join me in my semicircle if they have the password.
Me: What password?
Nell: I can’t possibly say.
Me: Did you just tap your nose with your paw?
Nell: I may have done.
Me: Is that all they have to do?
Nell: Maybe. It changes. I need to keep my semicircle safe.
Me: It isn’t actually your semicircle.
Nell: David thinks it is.
Me: I know he does.
Nell: And so do all the others.
Me: I suppose I should feel honoured to be allowed into your semicircle.
Nell: Yes. Just don’t forget the flask of Earl Grey next time.
Me: No. Sorry.
