Doodle is lost for woofs. She feels like her whole world has collapsed. Surely it can’t be true? Is she really just a common mongrel, like that unspeakable Texan mutt? There again, it could perhaps explain why that bitchy Maltese next door: Tabitha, crosses the road with her nose in the air whenever she sees Doodle.
She sniffs and a little wimper of despair escapes. Gizmo’s chivalrous side is activated again. He’s a sucker for the lady dogs’ sniffles. He didn’t mean to upset her. He had no idea that she was so sensitive. Clearly she’s quite a vulnerable pooch, and he’ll have to be more careful with her.
"OK, you may not be a pedigree dog, but on the other hand how many mutts can say that they’re ‘designer dogs’? That’s got to make you a bit special.”
Doodle cheers up a little, and the sniffles quieten down, but she still looks a bit lost.
“Really Doodle, you need to get out more and toughen up a bit. Mix with a few more furries.”
“Yes, you’re right Gizmo. Being a designer dog is better than nothing. At least we’re not common mongrel riff-raff. And you’re also right about needing to get out more. I don't socialise much with other dogs. It’s not my fault. My humans aren't very keen on walks, and I spend a lot of time alone.”
More sniffles.
"Look, I’m sorry Doodle. I didn't know you were a 'home alone’ dog."
“Yes, well I do spend a lot of time on my own, but you get used to it. I’m over feeling lonely, and I’m very comfortable with my own company. So you can forget any ideas that I might need you in my bed. Anyway, I think it must be dinner time by now.”
Doodle gets up, stretches languidly, and struts off towards the dining room.
Gizmo shrugs. “Ah well, that’s a shame. One that got away, eh Giz my lad? Plenty more in the long grass, but all the same ... She’s definitely a bit up her own backside, but it would have been nice to have a cuddle. Anyway, let’s see how things pan out.”
