Orna Mulcahy on people we all know.
Rosie prefers not to be reminded of the time that she and Barry were turned down by the Pet Rescue people for a puppy - something to do with the wheels of their 4x4 being a death trap - but Rosie could tell that the dog lady just didn't approve of them, silly old witch. Now they're glad that they didn't get any old dog, because you never know what those abandoned puppies have seen, and you could end up with some poor abused creature who seems perfectly fine to start with but then falls down foaming at the mouth if someone appears wearing yellow or carrying an umbrella.
No, they are now thrilled with Barnaby, the Yorkie they got from the best breeder in Ireland. Drove down last weekend to fetch him and his papers, and thank God for leather upholstery ... the little mite was so nervous. Don't even ask how much he cost, but if they hadn't paid up, he was off to Boston to live in some overheated apartment. Rosie, who never considered herself a dog person, is delighted to have a small, fluffy thing to cuddle now that the children have got so grown-up they wouldn't be caught dead kissing their mother, and if he does insist on being carried half-way through his walk, well it's no wonder with such tiny legs.
Barry is being the strict one, making Barnaby sleep in the freezing cold utility room, so he now has 'flu. Last night she smuggled him up to the bedroom - a real no-no according to the doggy books, but how could she ignore those pitiful whines - it was bring him up or go down and share his basket, a very fine woven one, filled with last year's chenille cushions that he seems to have no interest in whatsoever.
Bedtime in general is very busy, what with having to clean his teeth as per the breeder's instructions. It was certainly news to Barry that he would need to be flossed, but if it saves on vets' bills later on Of course, they will have bills as Barnaby is a pedigree dog and so is more delicate, not like that horrible little black dog next door which must be at least 20 years old, but is still cocking his leg on their gate post like the ill-bred mutt that he is. Barnaby may have a delicate stomach and need expensive vegetarian food, but he is a very clever dog who already knows how to scratch the door when he wants to get out. Too late for the sisal in the playroom, which is destroyed, but she was sick of it anyway.
Just for fun, Rosie has been reading New York Dog on the net and a friend has just given her the cutest little doggie leather jacket from Star Dog in Nice. It's the kind of thing the Pet Rescue lady warned them about, but it looks so sweet on and it's such a chilly day she might just let him wear it.