Me: Dogs hate closed doors.
Nell: It’s important we can access all areas at all times.
Me: Not when there are deliveries, or people need privacy.
Nell: Why did you shut Nigel alone in the bedroom?
Me: He wasn’t alone. I was there and so was Harriet.
Nell: And David?
Me: Dave was there, too.
Nell: I can’t believe you forgot David. He isn’t exactly easily missed.
Me: Nigel kept turning his head to and fro to listen to Kev talking to the delivery man downstairs. It was sweet.
Nell: It was none of Nigel’s business.
Me: You said dogs should have access to all areas.
Nell: Potato, potahto.
Me: You did.
Nell: You sound a little tired.
Me: I am. Harriet woke me up in the night crying.
Nell: Why?
Me: She wanted to get on the bed but she was really stiff after a long walk.
Nell: Oh dear.
Me: I told her she was too heavy for me to lift her and she mustn’t try and jump.
Nell: Sensible.
Me: But she wouldn’t stop crying so I had to wake Kev and he lifted her on to the bed.
Nell: Was she alright after that?
Me: Yes. I stroked her and she went straight to sleep.
Nell: She’s going to have to lose weight.
Me: Yes, she is. I couldn’t get to sleep for ages afterwards as she reminded me of you.
Nell: I never cried and demanded to be lifted onto the bed.
Me: No, you were stoic and suffered silently.
Nell: It doesn’t have to be arthritis. She might have simply overdone it.
Me: You’re right.
Nell: But she might have to go slow on the Yorkshire puddings tomorrow.
Me: She won’t like it.
Nell: She’s going to have to lump it.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
