Zinnia and Minnie, our barn cat, are perhaps the sweetest animals on our farm. They seem to love everyone, bother no one, and are quick to touch the noses of the animals they seek to befriend. Sometimes the animals don’t like it, but Zinnia, in particular, is charming in the way some Labs can be and usually wins her new friend over.

Most of the sheep butt her if she tries to touch noses, but she perseveres.

Zinnia’s most touching friendship is with Minnie, our adopted barn cat who was savagely attacked by some predator in the night and had to have her injured leg amputated.

She had a rough time but never lost her gentleness or shyness. She lives mostly on our porch now, rarely going in the barn unless the weather is bad.

At first, she was afraid of Zinnia, a big white dog rushing over every morning to touch noses and offer a lick or two. Now, they are close friends; they hang on with one another whenever possible.

I was lucky to catch their meeting this morning.