THE PATH - The Story of Biyou

The Mahogany Bay

The first horse Lisa Parker trained and brought into this world was an enchanting Mahogany Bay named Cass. For twenty-seven years this remarkable mare had been a close friend to Lisa Parker. Moreover, this bloodline was special; Cass’ mother, Opaline, had been owned by Lisa’s mother.

Sadly, in advancing age Cass had become blind, but remained otherwise in excellent health. Cass recognized the voices of Lisa Parker and Lisa’s husband Calvin and remained very comfortable with her farm. Thus, despite disability, Cass was able to raise her last five foals in a protected setting; guarded by a remarkable female dog, a kindred Parker sister, named Biyou.

Father Wolf

Biyou is indeed remarkable. Her eyes betray those of her father, the eyes of the original dog; a gray wolf (who Lisa Parker would aptly proclaim "a rogue"). Biyou’s coat and "natural bob" tail suggest her mother, a champion Australian Shepherd. Never will you know a more honest or trustworthy friend. Biyou remains gentle and tolerant of all she meets, yet steadfastly protects her farm.

Biyou’s name actually derived from an unrelated Australian Shepherd the Parker’s owned. Although smaller, the first Biyou enjoyed the same markings and features. The striking resemblance, as if a reincarnation, compelled Lisa to bestow the Biyou name a second time.

Dark Morning

In the early morning of January 3^rd 2001, the weather was clear and crisp. Few clouds hung in the sky and while the eastern sunlight crossed the farm with waves of gold, the mercury hung at only six degrees. But this beautiful morning quickly became dark. Looking by chance from her kitchen window, Lisa instantly perceived something very wrong. Cass was missing! Although Lisa had undergone surgery only two weeks prior, her pain was secondary. As a mother would search for a lost child, she immediately left her farmhouse determined to find Cass and bring her safely home.

Lisa made her way hundreds of feet across the farm. The trail she followed led her to find her beloved mare stranded in a freezing creek. In that moment, without weighing the risk, she ran forward with abandon and determination. Her love for Cass now demanded unquestioning action.

Lisa met the frigid water that held the mare. Despite her intentions, Lisa now found herself in immediate danger. Her situation was desperate. Lisa’s breathing instantly became labored; she was disoriented, concerned for Cass, and left with only a single thought, "They’ll never find me."

Watching Eyes

Lisa is clearly very capable. She was a trained military officer, leaving the United States Army with the rank of Captain in the Quartermaster Corps. She also worked as a safety engineer for a uranium enrichment facility. More importantly, she is no stranger to the demands of rural living and farm life. Still, this crisis was beyond even Lisa’s abilities.

Her gaze moved toward the ice shelf and the rise behind it. Help had arrived. Directly before her were the watching eyes of the rogue. With a glove drenched in frozen water, Lisa attempted a one-handed grasp at Biyou’s scruff. Biyou worked rearward, but the grip was lost. Despite military training suggesting otherwise, Lisa recognized the only chance to save herself was to discard her gloves.

Biyou likely understood the risks of the icy water, but courageously returned to the water’s edge. Now, with bare hands, one on each side of her neck, Lisa grasped this friend that comprehensively embodied the original dog, the show champion, and ultimately the mixed breed hero. With Lisa scrabbling and kicking at the edge of the creek, Biyou slowly and powerfully "dug-in" while backing up. Working as a team, Biyou helped Lisa climb out! Struggling a short distance to solid ground, Lisa collapsed. She was free of the frigid water, but Lisa’s clothes were now drenched, her breathing still labored, and her vision distorted.

Worse, Cass remained struggling in the creek. No doubt, Biyou also wished to extend her help to Cass. But, the Mahogany Bay had no way to accept it. Biyou’s intention remains a sad bridge with no crossing, but stands nonetheless as a testament to the profound friendship and fidelity of the dog.

Lisa remained nearly motionless at the edge of the creek. She was free from the water, but barely closer to safety. A few minutes in conditions like these would prove fatal. Biyou would have no part of that!

Lisa lay in an area that she and Calvin had often entered on previous carefree days. In Biyou’s eyes, Lisa’s usual route was far too high to provide safe passage home. Biyou understood a different path was now required. Quickly deciding, Biyou led away using the path the farm dogs took from the creek. This was a route virtually unknown to Lisa, but Biyou recognized it would be the only way. Biyou advanced with determination.

Biyou licked at Lisa’s face and pulled aggressively at her clothing. Nothing less than, "Follow me soldier" would be an option. Biyou knew the way, and this army officer was going to move forward on the path of this enlisted dog. Biyou continued to tug, to lick, and to drive Lisa forward. Biyou was unrelenting. If Lisa would stop, "March soldier!" was the order. Biyou’s strategy worked! Biyou saw Lisa faithfully back to the door of her farmhouse.

Through Biyou’s efforts, Lisa ultimately arrived at the interior stove of the farmhouse. The warmth it provided soon restored her. Lisa was saved! However, the instant able, and without a doubt’s measure, Lisa organized a campaign to save Cass.

Lisa phoned for help and many resources quickly descended upon Cass. This included the skills and rigging abilities of Calvin and the resources of others. In the end however, despite these heroic efforts, Cass was lost.

Still, until this beautiful mare was buried, Biyou remained at her side. Biyou insured that Cass’ dignity, even in death, would not be compromised. Biyou was determined that Cass would find a gentle path without external trauma or abuse. Biyou remained her constant guard.

As Lisa would later explain, in Native American belief, Cass will again be her steed as she rides across the fields. In such a wonderful eternity, would not a half-wolf run panting to catch up with Cass and her master?

There, Biyou will be found, with mud on the end of her coat, head high, and wolf eyes asking where you’ve been riding, and if she can join you. We would all be fortunate to have such a friend, or, to know such a hero.

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Afterword

K9HERO.COM had the opportunity to meet the Parker’s and Biyou during an event held at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History on the weekend of August 18^th and 19^th 2001. This was "Dog Days – A Celebration of Hero Dogs," which we were pleased to co-sponsor.

As observers of the remarkable assistance provided by our K9 heroes, we understand little. We don’t know how our canine friends understand what is required to save us. Nonetheless, frequently we find that they do. In this case, Biyou understood and responded with both swiftness and determination. Biyou’s courage and decisiveness saved Lisa Parker!

We should note, however, that Lisa saved Biyou first. Many owners of a Champion Australian Shepherd, impregnated by a stray (a wolf no less), would not have responded by seeing that every member of the litter was properly adopted into a caring home!

Adopting a dog is Lisa’s central message. The Parker’s give freely of their time to attend events such as Dog Days or to let children meet Biyou in local school classrooms. They hope this raises the visibility of dogs in need. Lisa reminds us: "Please, please, go to a rescue or shelter first. Look into the eyes of those dogs, with the hunger to be loved and to be a companion."

Biyou couldn’t agree more!