The Merlequin

Outside the Zoo they saw a man sitting on a seat, holding on to the biggest Great Dane they had ever seen.

Amazing dog! said Sweezus, walking up to the man. What kind is he?

He's a Merlequin, said the man. That means I can't show him. Wrong colour scheme. But he cost me heaps. The wife wanted him. Got to please the ladies.

Indeed, said Sweezus, fingering his Panda hats.

Ha! said Farky. Oh yes, got to please the ladies.

Woah! Your dog talks! said the man.

He's not my dog, said Sweezus. This is Farky. I mean Farquhar MacTaggart.

A fine name, said the man. And this is Horatio.

Hello Horatio, said Sweezus.

Horatio drooled as Sweezus tried to pat him. Farky looked disgusted.

I imagine he's named after Vice-Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson, said Sweezus. Or perhaps Captain Horatio Hornblower?

No, said the man, he's named after a character in CSI.

Farky looked pityingly at Horatio.

Ah, said Sweezus, who had never heard of CSI. Oh well, we have to get going. Nice meeting you. Goodbye Horatio!

He patted Horatio again.

Goodbye Horatio, mimicked Farky.

What's with you? asked Sweezus.

Nothing, said Farky.