As with most farms we had a dog. They all seemed to have an individual personality all their own. Old Pat was really laid back. He did nothing but sleep and eat. Some of the rest were hunters and guards at some level. Clancy kept the cats, skunks and woodchucks at bay.
One time we were out picking rocks in the field and the family dog we had at the time was along. A low flying duck came by about two feet off the ground and at low speed and our dog took off after it. The dog was going to catch the duck down the ditch bank. The duck stayed just ahead of the dog and led him into the ditch with almost two and a half feet of water. Out of the ditch came a wet dog with a very silly look on his face. We called our dog to us and consoled him. The duck came back and our dog chased the duck away.
As time passed, my tractor driving got more time and less time in the yard. I had real love for field work as driving tractors was my real love. One day, I was as on a Minneapolis Moline U tractor disking the field was a little rough and I hit a bad spot. The narrow front on the U tractor spun and I tried to stop the steering wheel spin. I got my thumbs hit hard and at 11 years old.
I got the tractor stopped and started blubbering. Dad came over asking what is wrong? I told him what happened and that I hurt my thumbs. Dad told me to stop blubbering and get back to work.
Life on the farm was a bit like that in years to come. Minor hurts and wounds did not stop a person from working. It was until the job was done.