Martha Starr, who has not seen the two animals together before, is startled, but she is sure that Jesse appreciates Megan's presence. Rather than push her away, as she does to Martha's cocker spaniel, Jesse accepts Megan's comfort and licks, even pushing her head toward her mouth for more.

As I watch, I wonder what is going on in Megan's mind: Is this some form of interspecies maternal empathy? Are the two animals commiserating with each other? Does Megan, who's probably had a litter of pups, understand what Jesse is going through? Can she sense the cow's anxiety? From a scientist's point of view, I can't explain what was happening, outside of instinctual maternal behavior.

Meanwhile, with the help of Jesse's contractions, which are now regular, I'm finally able to place my hands around the calf's head and help ease it through the birth canal. Slowly the baby emerges into the wondrous world of a cold, dark New Hampshire night redolent with the warm smell of fresh hay and manure.