16 Comments
User's avatar
David Ferguson's avatar

I read a book years ago on the personality of cows. The Secret Life of Cows by Rosamund Young. Very interesting. My boss has a herd of Highland cattle (all with names beginning with H) and she will tell you that they all have very distinct personalities.

Expand full comment
Maura McHugh's avatar

Great tip on the book! I agree with your boss, most animals I've encountered possess individual traits and characteristics. And some of them will like you and others will be indifferent (or horrible!). It's interesting learning what they're like.

Expand full comment
Sara's avatar

Bless, Minnie 💔 Thank goodness you weren’t hurt more seriously. Cows are bloody massive! We rescued a Kelpie cross a few years ago (Australian working dog) and stayed at an Airbnb attached to a farm. She managed to dig under the fence and next minute we see her charging across a field, trying to herd and sheep and a couple of alpacas. Thank god it wasn’t cows because I think she may have come off worse!

Expand full comment
Maura McHugh's avatar

Ah, the fabulous herding instinct of the Collie! Which applies to their humans too. 'Why aren't you all in the same room?' They might give us the occasional panic, but dogs are such a marvellous species.

Expand full comment
Sara's avatar

Ah that’s so true!

Expand full comment
Joanna Hennon's avatar

Oh my goodness how terrifying! And for Martin too, not knowing what had happened to you! And what a beautiful post about your Minnie, brought tears to my eyes ❤️

Expand full comment
Maura McHugh's avatar

Yes, it was quite a day. Minnie was a source of joy and sometimes frustration, but she was a steadfast companion. I never realised how secure I felt in my home until she passed away. She could be intimidating when in home protection mode. Dogs are simply a magnificent species.

Expand full comment
Georgina Bruce's avatar

Aww Minnie 🧡 She couldn't have helped you fight off a cow so running for Martin was the best thing she could do! (Although once my dog jumped over me after I fell on my arse in some mud 😂 Didn't even look back, the little fucker.) Minnie sounds like a gorgeous doggo.

Expand full comment
Maura McHugh's avatar

Indeed, it was the smart thing for her to do... the farmers on the other hand, could have done more. Minnie was lovely; dearly missed.

Expand full comment
Maura McHugh's avatar

Indeed, it was the smart thing for her to do... the farmers on the other hand, could have done more. Minnie was lovely; dearly missed.

Expand full comment
Georgina Bruce's avatar

Yes, the farmers were very irresponsible and careless!

Expand full comment
Brid Conneely's avatar

Great post, as always. Minnie sounds marvellous.

Many years ago on the island Samsø four of us were stampeded by a huge herd of cows as a storm rolled in. We ran for our lives. Will never forget it!

Expand full comment
Maura McHugh's avatar

That does not sound like fun! I'm glad you were not trampled.

Expand full comment
Brid Conneely's avatar

Great post, as always. Minnie sounds marvellous.

Many years ago on the island Samsø four of us were stampeded by a huge herd of cows as a storm rolled in. We ran for our lives. Will never forget it!

Expand full comment
Hilary Hattenbach's avatar

A lovely post and I'm so glad you survived the cow attack without injury and reunited with the pup.

Expand full comment
Maura McHugh's avatar

Thanks, Hilary!

Expand full comment