Child: <cross between anger and a whine >”I didn’t spill the milk!”

Older: <amused>”Then who did?”

Pet: I hope they don’t realize it was me as he sheepishly rounds the end of the hallway leading out of the kitchen, with black tail tucked tightly between his legs.

Child: “I don’t know.” <with bottom lip polking out>

Older: “Since ‘I don’t know’ isn’t here right now, then you will have to clean it up.”

Child: “That’s not fair, I guess I could call the dog to lick it up.”

Older: <grins>”Just be sure to use a Lysol wipe when Bear gets finished so there won’t be any stickiness left on the floor.”

Child: <a weak shrill noise emits from pursed lips> “Come ‘ere Bear!”

Pet: <ears instantly perk up> It worked!