(Caption: A PET SHOP SOMEWHERE NEAR MELTON MOWBRAY)
Man: Good morning, I'd like to buy a cat.
Shopkeeper: Certainly sir. I've got a lovely terrier.
(indicates a box on the counter)
Man: no, I want a cat really.
Shopkeeper: (taking box off counter and then putting it
back on counter as if it is a different box) Oh yeah, how about
that?
Man: (looking in box) No, that's the terrier.
Shopkeeper: Well, it's as near as dammit.
Man: Well what do you mean? I want a cat.
Shopkeeper: Listen, tell you what. I'll file its legs down
a bit, take its snout out, stick a few wires through its cheeks.
There you are, a lovely pussy cat.
Man: Its not a proper cat.
Shopkeeper: What do you mean?
Man: Well it wouldn't meow.
Shopkeeper: Well it would howl a bit.
Man: No, no, no, no. Er, have you got a parrot?
Shopkeeper: No, It's afraid not actually guv, we're fresh
out of parrots. I'll tell you what though ... I'll lop its back legs
off, make good, strip the fur, stick a couple of wings on and staple
on a beak of your own choice. (taking small box and rattling it)
No problem. Lovely parrot.
Man: how long would that take?
Shopkeeper: Oh, let me see ... er, stripping the fur off,
no legs ... (calling) Harry ... can you do a parrot job on
this terrier straight away?
Harry (off screen): No, I'm still putting a tuck in the
Airedale, and then I got the frogs to let out.
Shopkeeper: Friday?
Man: No I need it for tomorrow. It's a present.
Shopkeeper: Oh dear, it's a long job. You see parrot
conversion ... Tell you what though, for free, terriers make lovely
fish. I mean I could do that for you straight away. Legs off, fins
on, stick a little pipe through the back of its neck so it can
breathe, bit of gold paint, make good ...
Man: You'd need a very big tank.
Shopkeeper: It's a great conversation piece.
Man: Yes, all right, all right ... but, er, only if I can
watch.