March 7, 2008 – Minnie is one of the most satisfying animal stories on the farm. She was a feral kitten, and when she came to the farm, she was rarely seen, never allowed herself to be touched, battled with Mother all day. She is getting gentler and more affectionate by the day. When I come into the barn in the morning, she dances back and forth across the bars, purring and waiting to be cuddled and scratched. She loves to ride around on my shoulder. I am coming to love these mysterious creature, who still goes on on sprees and vanishes for days. I worry about the coyotes getting her, or some car or truck or disease. But I also respect her life, and will not make her into a pet. She has the right to a life. But her dance is one of my favorite rituals here.