Who Opened the Latch?

The side gate latch hung open like a mouth mid-sentence. Spike stopped. Suzy zoomed — then stopped too, because open gates need brains.

Clue one: a stick near the post. Clue two: small scuffs in dust. Clue three: no cattle on the wrong side — yet.

If we guess, we miss, Spike said. STOP. LOOK. THINK. PLAN.

Suzy sniffed the stick. Goat smell? Or just wood? Explore. Adjust.

You choose with them: check the stick first, or follow the scuffs to the trough, or walk the fence line for a second gap.

They checked the stick — old. Not today’s mischief alone. Scuffs led toward the feed bay, then doubled back to the latch.

Thinking Cap reminded Spike to compare clues — it did not name the opener. Spike did.

Biltong the goat had a wisp of hay on one horn and a too-innocent face. Goat curiosity. Farm truth.

Suzy soft-eyed Biltong back from the hinge. Spike closed the latch for real. Chain snug.

Next time the latch hangs, start with evidence, not blame. Tools only remind. Kelpies finish the job.

What would you check first next time — stick, scuffs, or fence?

Open latch. Follow clues. Close true.