I gotta be real careful, you know. Some of these bottles are older than I am, I don’t wanna break them with my great big claws. That won’t do. And some folks ask for the same bottle back each time, then they know they’re looked after and listened to. They’re like old friends, coming back after a few days away.

I’ve only ever broken one and it spooked the life out of me. I was only little, then. It took me a while to learn to be soft, it’s in my nature to be strong, but soft has its benefits. I get more hugs and treats, and when I need to be strong, my strength looks all the more impressive. And then I get even more treats. It’s win-win.