Ever since she lost a leg, Minnie has been coming into the farmhouse most nights, she loves to sit with Maria and doze in front of a fire, sometimes she hangs out in the basement. Since Fate came into the house, she has been nearly invisible, coming out to get fed, but otherwise hiding in the barn or underneath Maria’s studio.

Most border collies love to herd things that move, cats, chickens, sheep for sure. But they are rarely killers. And the border collies I have had have all gotten used to the farm animals, accepted them and treated them well. This morning, when we took Fate out, Minnie came out of the barn, and this time she didn’t run. She sat still and watched as Fate, intensely curious, came over to her, and the two finally introduced themselves, they touched noses for a good while.

I think Minnie will be back in the farmhouse soon.