Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes

I wished the camera was within reach.

As the kettle boiled I had opened the door for Ani to go out and prepared her breakfast. Calling her in I watched, astonished, as she skidded to a halt and began the low, warning growl at her breakfast bowl. Spider, I thought. They are everywhere.

I checked, but no, nothing.

Ani is still growling, advancing, pawing at the ground like a small horse and retreating.

I pulled everything out again… checked all round… not a thing. I could see no reason for it.

Ani has by this point retreated to the living room, within sight of the bowl. Her nose is wet, her mouth says yes, favourite breakfast… but she won’t go near it and is whining. I sit on the cold floor in my dressing gown and show her it is okay.

She advances… but not too close, continually growling with…