09/01/2024

Whilst dropping in at Lower Loxley, Lily learns from Elizabeth that another valued member of staff has handed in their notice to go to Grey Gables. Elizabeth is concerned but Lily reassures her that things will be OK. Later while getting her hair done, Lily probes Chelsea on whether she knows if anyone else is thinking of leaving. Lily flatters her by saying she seems to talk to everybody. Chelsea covers, saying she doesn’t know of anyone thinking of leaving. She adds that if there are any opportunities for better-pad work she would be interested as she loves working at Lower Loxley and asks if Lily could put in a word with Elizabeth. Lily counters she doesn’t get involved in business decisions. Before Chelsea leaves she reiterates she will let Lily know if anyone is unhappy.

Lillian has brought Ruby to the vets with a sore leg. During the examination Denise comes in and things are obviously frosty between her and Alastair. Later when Lillian goes to pay, Alastair asks Denise to upsell some dog food. She flatly refuses so he reluctantly does it himself. As a result he makes a mess, with dog food packages falling all over the floor, and Lillian discovers the reason for the tension between them both. She suggests that they could combine Denise’s passion for caring for the animals with Alastair’s objective of selling owners more products by holding puppy parties, reasoning that pet owners would be far more likely to buy from people they trust.