I was pleased to see Minnie out in the pasture hunting again for the first time since her right leg amputation six months ago. I agree with the vets who say is very healthy for cats – especially barn cats – to be outside, getting exercise, honing their natural skills, there are mice all over those walls and fields.

Minnie still has trouble moving easily, but I saw her walk quickly out to the marsh and sit and wait. I admire the barn cats, I do not believe all animals need to be pets and stuffed into human fantasies about what a good life is. Carriage horses love to work, barn cats love their freedom and hunting. I celebrate that, these skills need to be respected and preserved, not banished from our world.