Voice 1(Charles's Mom)
It was time to take Victoria, our pedigree Labrador, and Charles, our son, for a walk in the park. When we arrived at the park, I took Victoria off her leash. Immediately some scruffy mongrel appeared and started bothering her. I shooed it off, but the horrible thing chased her all over the park. I ordered it to go away, but it took no notice of me whatsoever. “Sit,” I said to Charles. “Here.” I was just planning what we should have to eat that evening when I saw Charles had disappeared. Oh dear! Where had he gone? You get some frightful types in the park these days! I called his name for what seemed like ages. Then I saw him talking to a very rough-looking child. “Charles, come here. At once!” I said. “And come here please, Victoria.” We walked home in silence.
Voice 2(Smudge's Dad)
I needed to get out of the house, so me and Smudge took the dog to the park. He loves it there. I wish I had half the energy he’s got. I settled on a bench and looked through the paper for a job. I know it’s a waste of time, but you’ve got to have some hope, haven’t you? Then it was time to go. Smudge cheered me up. She chattered happily to me all the way home.
Voice 3(Charles)
I was at home on my own again. It’s so boring. Then my mother said it was time for our walk. There was a very friendly dog in the park, and Victoria was having a great time. I wished I was. “D’you wanna come on the slide?” a voice asked. It was a girl, unfortunately, but I went anyway. She was great on the slide - she went really fast. I was amazed. The two dogs raced around like old friends. The girl took off her coat and swung on the climbing bars, so I did the same. I’m good at climbing trees, so I showed her how to do it. She told me her name was Smudge – a funny name, I know, but she’s nice. Then my mother caught us talking together, and I had to go home. Maybe Smudge will be there next time?
Voice 4(Smudge)
Dad had been really fed up, so I was happy when he said we could take Albert to the park. Albert’s always in such a hurry to be let off his leash. He went straight up to this nice dog and sniffed its backside (he always does that). Of course, the other dog didn’t mind, but its owner was really angry, the silly twit. I got talking to this boy. I thought he was kind of a wimp at first, but he’s okay. We played on the seesaw and he didn’t say much, but later on he was more friendly. We both burst out laughing when we saw Albert taking a swim. Then we played on the bandstand, and I felt really, really happy. Charlie picked a flower and gave it to me. Then his mom called him and he had to go. He looked sad. When I got home I put the flower in some water, and made Dad a cup of cocoa.
