Oliver and Alfie are in a local pet shop where they are surprised to see Amy.

Oliver: Amy! Hi! What are you doing here?

Amy: It’s my new Saturday job. Hi, Alfie.

Oliver: Really?

Alfie: Hi.

Amy: Yes. I want to study veterinary science at university, and my parents suggested I should get some experience in working with animals.

Oliver: And do you like it?

Amy: It’s my first day. Anyway, what can I do for you?

Oliver: Well, I’ve got some money, and I’ve decided that I’d quite like a pet. Daisy and Mum like the idea, but Mum says I mustn’t get a spider, scorpion or snake.

Amy: That’s understandable.

Alfie: Let’s see the dogs. Oh yeah! Look at these puppies! What’s that white one?

Amy: That’s a Dalmatian.

Alfie: But they’ve got black spots, haven’t they?

Amy: Not when they’re puppies, no. You have to wait until they’re bigger. Then the spots appear.

Alfie: Ah, I never knew that. Dalmatians are quite big, aren’t they?

Amy: Yes, they are. You should really have a garden.

Oliver: Well, we’ve got one. . .

Amy: And you have to take them out for a walk twice a day. Well, you don’t have to go twice, but you must go at least once. Every day. Rain, snow, sun . . . every day. And you mustn’t forget to take two or three small plastic bags when you go out.

Oliver: Plastic bags?

Amy: Well, you should always clean up after your dog and put it in the bin.

Oliver: Hmm. And a smaller dog? Should I get one of these?

Amy: They’re Yorkshire terriers. They’re very small. . .

Alfie: . . . and noisy! You’d better get something a bit quieter, Ollie. Think of your neighbours!

Oliver: How about that one?

Amy: As an adult, Old English Sheepdogs are extremely large – like that one. And you’ve got to look after their hair regularly. You should brush them as often as possible, and get their hair cut.

Oliver: Hmm. What about a cat?

Alfie: We used to have a cat. She was a bit unfriendly. She used to scratch the sofa – and our legs – and she stole food if you left it for a moment. You’ve got to be careful with cats. Some are nice, but some are, well, you know.

Oliver: Oh, a turtle? They’re small and quiet, and they don’t have hair.

Amy: They grow. And then, you have to buy a bigger tank. You’d better buy a thermostat and a filter if you want a turtle. And you mustn’t forget to change the water; they don’t smell great.

Oliver: What about a hamster?