I can see the merits of an imaginary horse. Eight-year-old me had the joy of an imaginary pony with no hard work to keep him fed and housed.

Look at this impressive team. Bear and June in yoke and Iman, the teamster!

Have you ever come home from a rough day at work or school to be greeted by your dog, tail wagging, bouncing with joy to see you? Maybe your cat or hamster is your companion. No matter their breed, age, or size, pets make us feel better. Many of us have a dog or cat, but few have a cow as a companion.

Ever since she first arrived, I've spent lots of time teaching my furry friend what is mine and what is hers. For instance, a paper that drops to the floor is mine; shoes are mine; and, of course, the chickens are mine. (Wild turkeys are still a work-in-progress.) The stuffed pig and bully stick are hers. I taught her by standing between her and my item or animal, just like a dog-pack leader would. I blocked her with my feet until she accepted my ownership and walked away.

Flora, my mixed-breed rescue dog, looks more and more like a mini-Golden Retriever every day. I doubt there is such a breed, but if there is, she's one. One habit she and all puppies had was jumping up on people. While it might seem cute to have an 8-pound puppy jumping up on an adult, it's not so cute when she jumps on a toddler, knocking the child down.

It's that particular time of year when each cow steps a bit smarter, and the bull gets a twinkle in his eye; it's breeding time at the farm. With good planning and a proven bull, calves should arrive in nine months.