JoJo, A Groundhog, and Yoda

My dog JoJo and I struggle with our relationship. I know there are dog-lovers out there who love their dogs unconditionally. No matter what your dog does you continue to love them. I don't know whether to respect that or make fun of it. I named my dog JoJo to remind myself that it was my idea to get this dog. Some people think I am like the famous boxer George Foreman who named his four boys George and one daughter's middle name is George. I used to laugh about that until I talked with an old boxer named Scott LeDoux who actually knew Foreman. He told me he had asked George why he named all his kids George. George said, "I never knew my Daddy's name. I wanted my kids to know their Daddy's name." I liked that and have not made fun of it since. Anyway, the other day I heard JoJo making a ruckus outside. That is never a good sign. I went out and found JoJo in a life and death struggle with a groundhog. JoJo was nearly out of her mind trying to get this groundhog who was circling and trying to keep from being dragged off by this crazy dog. JoJo is a Jack Russell Terrier so she and the groundhog were about the same size. I was shouting at JoJo to cease and desist. She was in a zone and I could not break through. I was afraid the groundhog might get the better of her. He looked like he came from a rougher neighborhood. JoJo was barking her head off and circling, the groundhog was spitting and biting and circling, and I was shouting and yelling and circling. Finally JoJo got close enough to me for me to grab her and take her inside. It was one of those times that my adrenaline was pumping and I was frustrated that JoJo would not listen. My dad came in a few minutes later. He had witnessed the whole thing. He said simply, "JoJo was doing what she was made to do. She was trying to protect us with all she's got." That is all he said and then he left. Living with my dad next door is like having Yoda as a neighbor. He's old and wrinkled but wow, he has some wisdom. I am glad he hasn't started talking like Yoda yet, "Protect us she must." After dad left I looked at JoJo and my whole demeanor changed. I picked her up on my lap and looked in her eyes. I think she really would lay her life down to protect me if she could. She really does just do what she is wired to do. I think I project myself onto her sometimes. I am the one who rebels against my Master. So, I am thankful for three things. I am thankful for a dog who is more giving and sacrificial that I am. I am thankful for a Master who loves me unconditionally even though I do such silly, stupid, and rebellious things sometimes. And I am thankful to have Yoda next door to remind me of truth when I have ears to hear.