The first few weeks with BiJae can be described like any first weeks with a new puppy. He was chewing, playing, carefree, and happy! You could see it in his face was he ever so happy! And if you couldn't see his smile, you could hear his "Aarroooorooorooo" as he learned to use his voice to express himself. We bonded very quickly through words and touch.

I continued to work up until the day I was leaving for Oregon. BiJae spent every waking hour by my side. He rode with me to work, to the grocery, home. We were not apart for more than a few moments those first few weeks.

While I worked in the Peterson's yard, BiJae would find a shady spot to lay. I'd lost sight of him a few times over the past week, but each result like that first one. BiJae crawling out from a bush less than ten yards away. He'd been watching me the whole time. I was learning not to worry about his whereabouts. Even though he loved squirrels, when I was working he was responsible for watching me.

It was high summer and time for clearing the tall grasses off the hills. I fired up the weed eater and went to work. BiJae fell asleep under the truck. This was the best vantage point for him to watch me. I filled up the weed eater and went to town. I had the proper protective gear on, hard hat with ear mufflers, and a face shield. I worked up and down the side of the mountain, knocking down the tall brush. I was at it for more than an hour when the engine sputtered. I was out of gas.

I came off the side of the hill and headed toward the truck. I was not prepared for what was about to happen. I still had my hard hat, face shield and ear muffs on. I was heading back to the truck for a quick refuel not a full break. I approached the truck as I always do. I got within ten feet before I heard the muffled growl coming through the ear mufflers. Then a bark and another growl. I looked and BiJae was staring me down, growling and barking at ME?!?! Then I realized, I must look pretty scary in all this get up! I pulled the hard hat and other equipment off and knelt down to BiJae's level. He instantly calmed down and came right over.

It was about that point that BiJae and I had our first discussion. It seems he had fallen asleep while I was working. He forgot that I had all that gear on. When he woke he was still half asleep and saw this stranger coming toward the truck. Instinctively he barked to protect it. Moreover he worried what had happened to me while he was asleep. I could see how sleepy he was. I had startled him awake. After my mask was off and he could see it was me. He approached eagerly, accepting my petting and my love. I thanked him for watching out for me. Our bond was growing deeper.