Yes we were, but I don’t think we can pass up this opportunity. Erica’s work colleague is having to rehome her dog because of their working hours and she looks perfect for Bertie. Look! I post the pic of Tilly with a smiley face and puppy faces and hearts next to it.
I can see you’re sold then.
She’d be going to a perfect home with Bertie.
She would – he would make such a fuss of her, he writes back. So what are we going to do about the other thing?
What do you think we should do? I don’t want to lose this dog so maybe I’ll speak to Jan first and see if Bertie wants to meet her.
Good plan. The letter can wait. It’s been hidden for however many years; a few more days won’t make any difference.
Erica comes bouncing into the kitchen. ‘Jan was pleased to hear about Bertie. She’s going to be really upset of course, but she loves the idea that Tilly will go to a home where she’s given all the love she needs. She says she’s a right little cuddle monster.’
‘Can I go round soon?’ I ask.
‘She wants you and Bertie to meet Tilly this weekend if at all possible. She says she’d rather get it out of the way if it has to be done.’
‘That’s understandable. Okay I’ll just check with Jack and see if he thinks I should message Bertie or if he should?’
‘Jack this and Jack that. You two are like an old married couple already.’ Erica laughs.
‘We aren’t,’ I say, feeling flustered. I don’t know what we are. ‘I mean I like to ask him about stuff, but you know, only important things …’ I look up and see Erica’s expression. ‘Oh right, you’re joking … ha-ha.’
‘You are seriously joined at the hip.’
‘We do have a bit of a connection but we haven’t even met, so we’re not exactly an item.’
‘You so are.’ Erica laughs, going out and shutting the door before I can stick my tongue out at her.
Okay so are you going to tell Bertie about this dog or am I? I text Jack.
You can and send him the pic, see what he says.
Hey Bertie, I type on WhatsApp. Hope you’re well, I know we were talking about you maybe having a dog one day and I know you were only thinking about it after this lockdown. But here’s the thing. Oops I’ve pressed send before I meant to.
It’s very kind of you, love, he comes back to me before I can get the next part written, but no it doesn’t seem the right time and I’ve been feeling very low lately. I’d be pretty rubbish company for any dog. Maybe after the lockdown. Oh, no.
That’s the thing, Bertie, this little dog needs a home now. Her owner is having to work long shifts and the dog is miserable. Please at least look at her photo. She’s very sweet. I attach the photo of Tilly that Erica has just airdropped to me and sit and look at the screen, waiting anxiously. No one could resist that face. No reply. Okay maybe he can resist that face.
Ping, another message comes in.
Poor little soul, it’s gorgeous. The shame of some people. Why on earth do they get a dog if they can’t be bothered to look after it?
Oh great, Marge is on the case. I didn’t realise I’d sent my message on the group chat. I seem to have lost brain cells during this pandemic.
It’s okay, Marge, I type back. The dog has been really well looked after and the owner has just had a change of circumstances. It could happen to anyone.
Happens all the time. People just don’t think. In any case she should put her on a rescue site. They check who might be adopting, much more sensible. Otherwise you get all sorts of weirdos. Puppy farmers and stuff, they might breed from her poor little mite.
She’s spayed so I don’t think that’s going to happen, I respond. And of course I’m sure Jan will keep looking until she finds the right home for her.
She doesn’t have to. Oh it’s Bertie; he’s back. She’s a grand little dog. I’d love to have her. Sort me out a meeting – socially distanced of course, Sophia love. I would do anything to look after such a sweet little girl. She won’t have to worry about being left alone with me around.