Life on a farm, like life anywhere else, is made up of moments, and a life with animals is also defined by moments. Every morning, Maria and I set out to do our barn chores. We are not farmers, we are creative people, and we do not have the grueling, day-long workloads of people who make their living farming. Our chores take minutes, not hours. But they are always rich in moments. As we finish filling the water buckets and distributing the hay, Minnie the barn cat always appears to say good morning to me or Maria. It is a surprise to us to learn again and again that animals – dogs, cats, donkeys, cats, sheep – need nourishment beyond food. They all need and welcome and seek some attention. Our good morning to the barn cat is one of the moments of life.

Minnie needs to say good morning.