Yes of course Bertie, what's on your mind, I'm listening.
Well it's just that I've noticed you have a new coffee mug, and I want to tell you how much I like it.
Oh Bertie, you mean this one I guess, the one with 'wirehaired fox terrier' written on, and a picture of a fine handsome WFT face?
Yes that's the one.
I get the sense there's more you want to say Bertie?
Yes Gail, there is. You see Gail, I've been living in this house all these months, and everywhere I look it's been Westie this and Westie that. Mugs, wall hangings, stuffed toys, ornaments, cards, fridge magnets, you name it.... Can't you see, it's been a little hard, surrounded by all these Hamish look-a-likes, not to worry just a wee bit that you think I'm second best?
Oh Bertie. Bertie Bertie Bertie. Oh I am so sorry. I had no idea you felt like that. I admit that when Hamish was here, I loved him more than words can say. But now you've come along, and I've found a new and huge and special place in my heart for loving you just as much. As for all those Westie knick-knacks, it's very simple. It seems every other shop in Scotland sells something with a Westie picture on it; they're sort of the national dog. The only reason we don't have a house full of fox terrier stuff is that it's much harder to come by.
So where did you get the new mug from then?
Well Bertie, we're very lucky that Marie-Thérèse lives with us and is so clever at finding nice things on the internet. She gave me the mug as a birthday present last week.
Oh I might have guessed. She is so thoughtful. Where is she? I want to give her another cuddle right now. Just after I've had a sip of your coffee that is.....
PS Gail wants me to point out that I wasn't actually drinking her coffee, it was the 'dog beer' that my friend George sent me a while back. It was totally dee-lish!
