Minnie is a barn cat again, an outdoor cat who has adjust to having three legs, has safe places to hide in, good spots to sun herself. She will come inside again in the winter, I am relieved and pleased that she was able to return to her old life, it makes me feel good about agreeing to have her leg amputated. She calm, affectionate, at home again in her life.

Cats are controversial these days, like horses and other things involving animals. Many groups are pushing for it to be illegal for cats to be left outside at all – more invasive animal policing in my mind. I believe the barn cats are a remarkable kind of animal, I am happy Minnie is able to return to the life she was meant to live and wishes to live. Animals do not live in a perfect no-kill world, not mice, birds or barn cats, horses or human beings. I am pleased to give her her life. Minnie is always welcome to come inside the house when she wants, it is increasingly rare as her wound has healed and she has adjusted to her new life. Animals do get a say in the partnership that is our life with them.