Me: Look at darling Marvin all cuddled up in the warm.
Nell: I’m glad he’s out of the cold.
Me: Talking of cold, you need to listen to me about going out in this weather, Nell. It’s not good for you to get wet.
Nell: I like an afternoon stroll.
Me: Only if it’s not raining.
Nell: Moving on, did I hear you say Nigel is going to be visiting?
Me: Yes. Nigel and my sister Charlotte are coming for the weekend.
Nell: Is Nigel aware of the dog bed situation?
Me: What do you mean?
Nell: There’s a distinct lack of dog beds in this house at the moment,
Me: I’ve told you they’re at the dry cleaners.
Nell: And I need to be accommodated first.
Me: Yes, we all know that.
Nell: David and Harriet don’t.
Me: They do. They just like to lie in a nice comfortable bed occasionally, too.
Nell: As long as everyone is on the same page. I come first as Senior Labrador.
Me: You do. I can tell you’re still grumpy, Nell.
Nell: We all are.
Me: Is it the rain?
Nell: No. I’m afraid we’ve had to disband the Spaghetti Bolognese Club.
Me: Oh no. Why?
Nell: It’s pointless without Italians.
Me: Maybe we can find some?
Nell: Don’t be silly. This is Devon not Tuscany.
Me: It’s worth a try.
Nell: If you do find an Italian they might not be able to cook.
Me: Maybe.
Nell: And if they can cook, they might not want to share.
Me: Let’s try and find one first.
Nell: And if they do want to share will they have any Tupperware containers?
Me: Stop finding reasons to be grumpy.
Nell: Just saying. Did I hear Nigel arrive?
Me: Yes, I’m afraid you did. Sorry.
