If you had told me two years ago that Frieda would save a chicken, then hang out with a rooster and his hens, I would have flat-out said it was impossible. Frieda is a testament to the great heart of a dog, and to the power of patience, love and determination. It was a long road for us, but Frieda is really getting there. Today, she leaped the fence to drive off a stray dog threatening the chickens – Winston put himself out in front and charged the dog, a suicide run if he had made it – and then I took Frieda out to see Winston and the hens and give Winston some moldy strawberries and Frieda a treat.

Frieda nearly killed two hens when she first came and now I often take her out with me to feed and check on them, and she sits quietly and calmly and seems attached to them. A good reminder to work hard for a dog and fight hard for a dog. Frieda, for all her noise and bother, has never harmed anyone. Can’t say the same for animals, but she is turning a corner now. Chickens are smart about which dogs to hang out with. They are very easy around Frieda.