Old Mrs. Davidson's dishwasher had gone on the blink, so she called out a repairman. As she had to go to work the next day, Mrs. Davidson said: "I'll leave you a key under the mat. Fix the dishwasher and leave the bill. I'll send you a cheque. And don't worry about my pet Doberman. He won't bother you. But whatever you do, don't talk to my parrot under any circumstances."

The next morning when the repairman arrived at Mrs. Davidson's flat, he discovered the biggest meanest-looking Doberman he'd ever seen. But, as Mrs. Davidson had said, the dog just lay sprawled out on his bed and didn't bother him. However, the parrot drove the man mad cursing and screeching all day long.

Finally, he couldn't stand it anymore. "Shut up, you stupid, ugly bird," yelled the man.