Nell: David and Harriet seem transfixed. What are they looking at?
Me: Bluebells. They’re everywhere at the moment. The countryside is so beautiful.
Nell: I remember.
Me: There’s nothing like Devon in spring. it’s my favourite time of the year.
Nell: I don’t think they’re looking at bluebells.
Me: They are, Nell.
Nell: They don’t care about bluebells.
Me: Yes, they do.
Nell: I think they’re looking for squirrels.
Me: Squirrels?
Nell: Yes.
Me: Why are they looking for squirrels?
Nell; Because that’s what we dogs do. You might think we’re admiring the countryside but we’re actually hoping to spot a squirrel.
Me: Gosh.
Nell: Or a rabbit.
Me: Dave loves chasing rabbits. I’ve never seen him run as fast as when that rabbit got into the activity field.
Nell: He caught it.
Me: Yes, he did but he didn’t harm it and he let it go again when we asked him to.
Nell: We Labradors have soft mouths.
Me: You do.
Nell: I’m afraid Poppy and Mutley could not be trusted to let a rabbit go.
Me: They’re terriers, Nell.
Nell: Poppy never really lets anything go, truth be told.
Me: Do you have rabbits and squirrels up there?
Nell: We have everything. But nobody is supposed to be chased or caught.
Me: Does Poppy know that?
Nell: She does, although Knowing doesn’t necessarily mean Doing in her case.
Me: Oh dear.
Nell: She wants to go on a Heffalump Hunt.
Me: That’s dreadful.
Nell: Don’t worry. There won’t be any Catching.
Me: Are you sure?
Nell: Yes. It’s all about Finding.
Me: What if the Heffalump doesn’t want be found?
Nell: Nobody does.
Me: I wouldn’t.
Nell: Nobody’s going to hunt you. You’re not a Heffalump.
Me: I feel like one sometimes.
Nell: Don’t be silly.
Me: Sorry.
