Me: Isn’t the countryside looking amazing?
Nell: It is.
Me: Everything is bursting into life.
Nell: It’s all the rain you’ve been having recently.
Me: I can’t believe how green it is.
Nell: That’s Devon for you.
Me: Dave and Harriet have been going on three walks a day.
Nell: Good. It’s the best thing you can do for everyone.
Me: You dogs love nothing more than a good Snoofle around.
Nell: Is that even a word?
Me: Snoofling here and Snoofling there.
Nell: Sniffaris are an essential part of dog walking.
Me: You used to love a good Sniffari.
Nell: I did. But you’re wrong about it being the best thing.
Me: Am I?
Nell: There’s something we love more than a Sniffari.
Me: Really?
Nell: Yes, it’s knowing you’re there with us.
Me: How lovely.
Nell: Take Harriet, for instance. Always running around.
Me: She never stops.
Nell: Except she does. For a quick stroke, or cuddle, from you and Kev.
Me: Yes, and then off she goes again,
Nell: David is the same.
Me: Dave likes his cuddles at home. He’s too busy when we’re out.
Nell: Not for the odd stroke.
Me: No, that’s true.
Nell: Or reassuring pat on the head.
Me: He likes those.
Nell: Don’t underestimate the importance of Togetherness.
Me: You’re right.
Nell: Knowing you’re there with us gives us the safety and security to really enjoy our surroundings.
Me: And I always enjoy my walks because you dogs are with me.
Nell: I know. It works both ways.
Me: I wish we could go walking together again, Nell.
Nell: I’m always with you. You know I am.
Me: But I can’t give you a cuddle.
Nell: I was never one for cuddles. Give me conversations any day.
Me: You’re right. Sorry.
