[David Callin]

I really like this one too, Joe. I think it hits just the right tone.

The one micro-suggestion I have is that, for some reason, I would prefer

And that
is that

to be just the one line. I think the line break gives the ending an archness it doesn't need. But that's just me.

You give him a good send-off anyway.

Cheers

David

[Jan Iwaszkiewicz]

I like the conceit but Dalmatian throws me, it is a stretch too far. As far as I know the only breed that could come close is the Savannah and even it has striped legs. It is also a non sequitur as far as what is happening so why not discard.

Regards

Jan

[Joe Crocker]

As usual David, that is a well judged suggestion which I will adopt.

Jan. The proper word for Tipper’s coat is probably piebald. He had no particular pedigree. I can see that Dalmatian might distract the reader (as it did Jayne), so I will find another phrase.

Thanks

Joe

[Julie Steiner]

I wholeheartedly endorse both of these recent changes, Joe.