Sixty Five

‘Hey Sickbag! While you were busy distracting Nahindu from his work earlier I had to remind Philippa that today was St George’s Day. She had forgotten. Can you believe that? How does it feel to be forgotten on your big day? I thought I may as well tell you now so that you don’t get all excited come home time thinking that she’s arranged a surprise party for you or bought you a present or something because she hasn’t. Not a thing. Makes you wonder doesn’t it? You think you’re her best friend and then she forgets the most important date in your year. But that’s women for you. They’re basically ungrateful. Just as well Uncle Simon remembered so that I could tip her off. No doubt she’ll pretend she remembered all along but you see I understand the little moments that make up a dog’s life. I do. I understand the important things that make you little furry people feel special. It’s all about appreciation’.
You’re a liar Simon. Pips wished me Happy Birthday this morning and we are going to the internet café on our way home from work which she says is something to do with my present and then we are going out for a pizza with Terry and Freddie so up yours you tosser.


‘OK George. This is it. The British Airways website. So can you guess your present?’
Are we going abroad on holiday Pips?
‘We’re going to Barcelona George! You and me and we’re going to book it up right now. I thought we would go in the middle of June for four days’.
But that is just what I wanted! It is! I really love you very much Pips I really do.
‘Now I just have to concentrate while I book it so ssssh OK?...... Terry and Freddie are picking us up from home in fifteen minutes so we have to be quick or they’ll be waiting for us on the doorstep. No George can you get your paw off the keyboard. We don’t want 1111111111111111 seats to Barcelona’.


‘That’s the doorbell George. That’ll be our pizza dates for this evening’.
I can see them Pips. Freddie is tied to a balloon!
‘OK let’s go. Have we got everything?’
I’m coming Freddie.
‘Careful George, you’ll trip over your lead’.
Freddie I’m coming, I’m coming……


‘Hi Terry’.
‘Hiya Philippa’.
Hola Freddie! Hola! I’m going to Barcelona!
‘I know. And I know where you’re staying and everything’.
‘Oh I love Freddie’s balloon. What does it say?.......’Happy St George’s Day George’. Look at that George’.
‘We got it from that cheap party shop on Upper Street’.
‘The balloon is for you George. Terry tied it around my stomach which was a bit unnecessary in my opinion but you know how people are. They find themselves amusing sometimes’.
I think it’s terrific Freddie.
‘It keeps pulling me upwards. I may fly off in a minute’.
You will get a thrilling view of the street. I’ll be shouting come back Freddie! Freddie come down!
‘Freds shall we give the balloon to George? Come here and I’ll untie you’.
I would very much like to be tied on to the balloon Terry. I would be thrilled.
‘God it’s huge. I hope it doesn’t burst or it’ll make a huge bang’.
‘OK, here we go…… now let’s tie it on to George ………………….’
‘Oh George look at you!’
Do I look fabulous Pips?
‘He’s dwarfed by it!’
‘OK. Now shall we go and eat?’
‘Gosh yes let’s go. I’m starving’.
‘How does it feel George?’
I feel very light Freddie.
‘So how was your day Philippa?’
‘Oh fine. Well no not that fine. Boring…. the usual. Yours?’


‘So what sort of pizza do you want for your doggie bag today George?’
I would very much like a quattro staggioni if you don’t mind mi amigo.
‘Not again’.
It is my favourite Freddie and/………. Whoah!........ Freddie!..... Freddie look! I’m taking off ……… I’m……… I’m floating!........ Help! Help!..... I’m going… going............... Adios Freddie…………
‘Don’t be so over-dramatic George. You’re on your lead’.