Bearclaw Valley Now you know, all you need is me

oh, he was proud of her now!  her swished up snow in its excited wake, and her guard hairs sprung to life at his touch.  

and then he did something that would change her perspective of language forever.  he tried to teach her.  her joy is unmatched, and for a moment she is too anxious — but good anxious — to vocalize anything other than suppliant whimpers.  

she calms down enough to attempt the word he's offered her (which she is intelligent to surmise, with his gesturing, refers to himself).  zz-zzzaan?  the first noise was difficult for her, and she hitched and haltered over it before getting it right.