Status Updates From The Platypus Ploy (Kylie Ke...

"'G'day, Rita,' I said when ... clad in a tailored white jumpsuit, [she] appeared at the front door in response to my ring. With her were two nondescript, cheerful dogs, who waved their tails heartily when I said, 'G'day, dogs.'" (199)

"'Hold on,' I said. 'Paranoia Pet Adoptions?'
'Like, if you're paranoid about intruders, you want a big-sounding, noisy pet to scare them off. The Paranoia shelter specializes in dogs with deep voices that can also do an awesome snarl on command. And, of course, there's the trained barking parrots. They're awesome, too.'" (197) BARKING. PARROTS.

"'Cassandra's real sensitive ...'
'Hah!' said Fran, stopping by the front desk ... 'Sensitive the way a killer shark is sensitive? Or a vulture? Or a—'
'Stop!' Melodie's eyes flashed with righteous indignation. 'No way will I stay here and listen to you insult my friend.'
'Hah!' said Fran. 'A friend the way a killer shark is a friend? Or a vulture? Or a—'
The door slammed behind Melodie as she exited." (186)

"I was well on the way to deciding this Yolanda sheila was more than a bit suss." (47) published 2007. Aussie slang stealing a march yet again