This story may be mostly about a dog, but horses figure in it, too. And it’s one of our favorites from the “Barn Stories” archives.

For a certain rambunctious, goofy canine—a neighborhood troublemaker named Dru—there are endless joys in life that just have to be experienced. Though unliked and unwelcome at first, this particular companion was ultimately well worth tolerating, as the author of this story learns. Generosity and lack of judgement? For sure. Loyalty? Of course. Gratitude? In spades. Maybe there is a lesson here for all of us.

This episode is brought to you by SmartEquine and ColiCare, an innovative approach to hindgut health and colic prevention. Learn more at SmartEquine.com/ColiCare.