by Jackie Tritt

Created on: May 26, 2007

It's a dog's life

And now to the south east. A region of low pressure moving in from the west overnight will bring heavy rain which will continue for most of the day, offering welcome relief for drought-stricken areas' The TV weatherwoman droned on, tracing the rain band's movement across the map of the state. Black cartoon clouds dripped black cartoon rain.
Liz groaned. Pete laughed at her. He could feel a big sulk brewing.

Better go stack the ute while she's still dry then,' he said.
Liz grunted. I'm switching channels to something more cheerful,' she said. The stock market reports will do.'
Pete knew she'd loved the drought, had relished the cloudless skies and the dusty paddocks. Maggie jumped up on the sofa next to her and laughed bony fumes into her face.
Get off, you mongrel,' Liz said.
C'mon, darl, don't take it out on the dog. Besides, she's no mongrel. She's my champion girl, aren't you, Mags? Here,' He took a piece of dried liver from his pocket and held it in front of him at shoulder height. The dog sat straight and gazed at him, her brown eyes filled with adoration. Long drools of saliva swung from her jowls. Liz shuddered and turned her head away. Pete rewarded the dog, chucked her under her soggy chin and headed for the back door. She jumped off the sofa and trotted at his heels, ever hopeful for more.
That night, Liz took her sulk to bed. Still, he had known she would. She turned her back on him and switched off her light. Maggie filled the space between them, circling and pawing until she sank with a groan. She placed a heavy foot on his shoulderblade and gently licked him behind the ears.
You're a good girl, Mags. It's nice someone in the house appreciates me.'
Someone snorted. It wasn't Maggie.
Pete woke to the glorious sound of rain hammering on the tin roof, splashing along the gutters and gurgling into the tank. He grinned and rubbed his hands together.
Oh God,' Liz said. She burrowed under the covers again. Maggie rolled onto her back and stretched. Liz manoeuvred her toe under the dog's wide bottom, giving her a nudge that sent her off the end of the bed.
Hey, don't take it out on the dog, darl. C'mon. Things to do. Places to go.'
Could you stop being so bloody cheerful.'
He stripped off his clothes in the yard and soaped himself under the driving torrents of rain. It's wonderful,' he yelled. So refreshing. You should try it, darl.' But apple-scented steam puffed out from the bathroom window, as it always did. You don't know what you're missing,'

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