Dot closed her eyes, shook her head and took a deep DEEP breath.

Then - there it was again, that voice. Dot opened her eyes again and looked down at her lovely King Charles Cavalier spaniel. It was the same Wizzy – but not the same at all! Not if he really was talking!

Wizard saw her amazement and gave a little doggy chuckle, shaking his head so his big silky ears flapped from side to side. “It’s OK Dot!” he said, still laughing. “You’re not going mad, you’re just on the Internet – you’re one of the special people who can enter Net-World where ANYTHING is possible. Including talking dogs AND” – he tossed his glossy brown and cream head towards the mouse “talking mice!”

“No sweat! That’s the way it is in Net-World!” said the sassy little mouse proudly.

“Mind you” said Wizard with another chuckle “Anyone might be thrown by hearing their computer mouse suddenly start talking to them. You really shouldn’t do things like that to people Mr Mouse!”

The mouse looked indignant. “Hey it’s not my fault if the kid’s slow. She needs to get her act together now she’s found out she’s one of the Net-people. Once she’s logged on she’s in the virtual world - and there are no limits!” He shrugged and hopped up onto the edge of the laptop, resting his back comfortably against the lid, with the screen outlining the shape of his tubby little body. He put his hands behind his head and crossed his legs comfortably in front of him.

“Anyway!” he went on “Does the kid wanna grab a burger in a decent joint - or not? Whaddya say we hit on Tommy’s web site over in Texas? Those burgers – organic beef and fresh spices, the best fries in the States, and Tommy’s ma does her own fresh tomato sauce. Too much!”

Wizard nodded. “Nice idea, Mr Mouse! I think Dot needs a break - and she deserves a good meal. I’ll lead the way.”

He turned to Dot who was still sitting open-mouthed at the laptop. “Don’t worry Dot” said Wizard “You can trust me - I’ll look after you. We’ll just take a short jaunt through the internet to Tommy’s Hamburger Heaven – “Our Burgers Beat the Best” they say – I’ve had one and I can tell you they know what they’re talking about!”

The mouse grinned. “Cool! Let’s do it! No offence Dot but I’m gettin’ kinda sick of sittin’ around on your desk here.”

Dot was still in shock. But now there could be no doubt the voices were real. She cleared her throat.

“Er…what should I call you?” she asked the mouse.

“Mister’ll do nicely!” he said.

“Oh…” said Dot, “so it’s just Mister Mouse…?”

“Yeah, yeah, that’s it! Now - you coming or not? I could use a little action!”

Wizard smiled at Dot and nudged her with his soft black nose. “Come on Dot!” he said. “We’re going on an adventure. Clip my lead on and hang on to me - you’ll be quite safe. Just don’t step on our rude little rodent friend.”

“Huh!” went Mr Mouse. “Ready everyone?” He reached his paw round behind his back to click on his ‘backpack’.

Dot picked up Wizard’s lead from the chair ad hooked it on his collar. She grabbed the handle of the lead as tightly as she could.

Double-click went Mr Mouse.

ZIIIIISSSSSH!!

There was a tremendous rushing noise – like an electronic wind, with the sound of strange music like an electronic choir – and Dot felt her feet lift off the floor of her bedroom. She felt a moment of panic – but next moment they were all zooming straight through the screen of the laptop – along the Super-Highway and into the virtual world of the Internet!