finally mortimer mumbled in a voice that could barely be heard , `` uh ... well ... you know , i 've been planning this trip to meet my mother in cincinnati for a long time , and i just do n't think now 's a good time ... `` `` and actually now that i remember it , '' muttered murp , `` i 'm allergic to dogs ( he faked a sneeze or two ) , and it would n't be healthy for me to get close to those mutts . ''