Another first for Zinnia today, Maria and I went out into the deep woods near our farmhouse with her and Fate. Red and I and Maria and Fate used to walk all the time in the woods – Bud is too nose crazy and eager to hunt to walk in the woods without a leash.

We both love the woods and need dogs who will stay close to us, not get rattled at the sight of a bear, or chase after a deer or rabbit or porcupine. This was Zinnia’s first trip with us.

The woods are Lab heaven, of course, lots of smells, space to run. Our dogs always stay close to us and keep an eye on us. One of the reasons I love working dogs is because of that, they love whoever keeps them busy.

She worships Fate and always stays close to her (Fate completely ignores her) and as we passed a frozen pond, Fate went sliding out onto the ice, she loves to stake on ice, and so does Zinnia.

The two walked carefully across the pond, and then came sliding back. The pond is small and shallow. Whether Fate like sit or not, Zinnia is always learning from her.