On the way to Home on the Range yesterday (or, actually, the day before yesterday, since today is now tomorrow), the game warden and I stopped at the Three Forks station for gas. This is probably one of the most remote gas station/convenience store locations in the state, so after he went in to pay, I decided to go in as well to visit with the proprietor.

She was behind the counter, talking with the warden when I came in. I heard a dubious "beouf" from the floor at her feet, and immediately, gently "boeuf"ed back.

She and the warden both broke out laughing.

"It must be a Game & Fish thing," she said.

The warden had just beoufed at her dog as well. And apparently we're the only people to ever do that.

'Course, the dog doesn't like him.

But tolerated my petting and ear scratches just fine. Whatever we're saying, my "beouf" must sound more sincere.