I never imagined or wanted four dogs. The perfect number for me is two. Beyond that, it seems, dogs become packs, and like people, they get political. Dynamics change, and there is jockeying for position. I was comfortable with my three – Izzy, Rose and Lenore get along and have separate roles and identities. Then Frieda came, and I never thought it would work. She challenged the other dogs, intimidated them, fought for food. We worked hard with Frieda. Lenore helped by befriending her and softening the edges.

Now I have four dogs. I love them all of course, and even when they are in the house, there is no trouble of any kind. They go to their separate corners and beds and lie quietly while we work or read. So I have four dogs now. Each one marks an important period of my life, each one is precious to me. They inspire me in many says. Rose has been on the cover of three books, and has inspired a fourth. Izzy is known all over the country for his hospice work. Lenore, the Love Dog, lights up the farm with her affection and good nature.

And Frieda is as loyal and loving a dog as I have known. She has her moments still, but her big heart and good nature continue to emerge. She’s a great guard dog, too, something I have never had.

You get the dogs you need. Life is nothing but strange.