WE'VE COME TO THE CONCLUSION...

... that Rose is actually a hyper-intelligent little dog.

She is able to work out solutions to all sorts of problems (of the canine type you understand, not in matters of World Peace or anything) and remembers everything she is taught.

We think this may also account for the degree of neuroticism she also presents. She gets so anxious about potential dangers and threats,a trait I used to see in very intelligent young children. These kids could analyse a situation and be afraid of the possible repercutions, whereas their peers sailed blithly onwards oblivious of any potential problem. I've come across many very bright children who tie themselves in knots with 'What ifs' and consequently never let themselves relax and just enjoy being kids.

There's something about Rose that brings this to mind. She is NEVER able to fully relax and appears to feel that she needs to be permanently on guard, from the dangers outside and, of course, those that we inflict on her through the television. We were watching her last night and ended up feeling really sorry for her, because we reckon it must be exhausting to be Rose.

Lily couldn't care less!