We decided this past winter we wanted to have chickens. We ordered our girls along with another woman so we could choose our flock. We received our four girls on the first of March and Dolly was among them. She was energetic and the first to start chest bumping with the other chicks. The goal? Likely to be the top chicken as they worked out the pecking order.

Then the girls fell ill to avian encephelomyelitis, a virus that initially causes intestinal upset followed by neurological symptoms. Dolly became the sickest and was separated from the rest of the flock by a cardboard wall. She would chirp incessantly and the others would answer her over that wall. I finally let her join the others just to quiet her down.

Even though her legs were affected and she was not graceful, her spirit was strong and she made her presence known. Each morning I have made them breakfast of oatmeal, yogurt and a bit of cracked corn. They all got excited when I would take it out, but Dolly was the most excited. She would come barreling across the coop in her clutsy way, headed straight for that food. It didn't matter that she was half the size of the other girls, she'd bump her way through until she had access to the dish.

Then last Thursday evening, one of our dogs got into the coop and killed Dolly and one of her sisters and injured the others. I was crushed. Who would have known I could fall so deeply in love with these girls. I've watched as the three remaining chickens heal and start to slowly feel safe in their space again. And, this morning as I get ready to make their breakfast, I think of Dolly and her absolute enthusiasm for life. I miss her clamoring for the food in the mornings and her energetic way of being.

So, this is a tribute to the girl who didn't let her circumstances stop her or get her down. Cheers, Dolly.

Dolly