I am in love with Tina, the Miller’s dog. We have bonded. When I pull up to their barn, Tinnia comes running, jumping up into my lap if I’m sitting down, licking me on the chin, and they running off to keep the horses in line.

She definitely comes from a heeler line, maybe some border collie too. I would rank her among the great dogs I have loved and lived with – Red, Rose, Orson.

When she sees me, she instantly rolls over on her belly for some scratching.

Zinnia’s developing so rapidly as a therapy dog and spreading so much joy; she will soon be on the list, I think.

Tina caught her leg in a saw-up in their previous life. She is a rescue in the most literal sense of the word.

The millers took her in, and they love her and care for her well.

The Amish do not go to vets, treat their injured dogs themselves, and take care of Tina, who has a pronounced limp but gets around easily and well.

When I first met Tina, I noticed that her coat was dry and her eyes red. I asked Moise if I could purchase some special dog for her as she got older, and he agreed.

I didn’t love the food he was getting at the Dollar Store.

I’ve been buying her dog food – the family says she has never looked better or healthier, and they repay me. I get it from a vet, so they permit me to do it.

I had a dream the other night that the family was getting protective dogs for the sheep and goats they mean to get, and I offered to buy her, and they sold her to me.

Tina has no reason to leave that farm; she is so well cared for and appreciated. Obnoxious people are always e-mailing me demanding to know why the Amish have puppy mills.

But Moise and his family have never had a puppy mill and treat their animals as well as one could hope for. Tina seems very happy, and the children adore her.

She sleeps in the house every night and watches over the grandchildren when they come.

I always try to figure out what certain dogs are that draws me to them so much. I think in this case, it’s Tina’s brave heart and determination to be useful. Watching her move those 2,000 lb draft horses amazes and touches me.

Even though she has to drag half a leg around, she never quits or backs down. Yet, she can be as sweet and loving as a puppy. We get each other, I think.

She isn’t going anywhere. And I have enough dogs. But she got to my heart, I admit it. Dogs can do that with me.

She hopped into the car, ignored Fate, Zinnia and Bud – Amish dogs don’t rattle; they live around big horses without trouble.

I love this dog; she is a great dog with a great heart and watching her corral the big horses and push them around as a true healer does definitely got to me.

I love our three dogs, we have a great arrangement, and I’m not looking for another one. The Millers love Tina and treat her very well. So this is all a daydream.

But I believe she is an iconic dog, brave, loyal, smart, and loving.  I don’t see many of those, but I know one when I see one.