2008? – May 4 2024
“He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. He will be at your side to his last breath. You owe it to him to be WORTHY of such devotion.” Sempre fedele.

Some years ago the pastor of the church we attended told us about a stray dog that showed up at the church. They were not able to keep it and asked if we were interested. Well, Betty, my wife, was convinced it was a sign from on high, as she had wanted a dog for some time. Thus began the tale of how the dog we call Yoda came to live with us. Betty allowed me to name him Yoda in hopes I would agree to keep him, (a very effective move on her part). At the time he was in need of serious grooming and the matted hair made his ears stand up, (kind of like Yoda).

For the first year it was a struggle between two alpha males. Mostly the dog won (he had sharper teeth). Slowly I started to learn a valuable lesson. When a “Crisis” occurred, if I was “upset” and borderline angry….so was Yoda. When I responded calmly so did Yoda. He reflected my mood. He still does. I have made great progress in staying calm (lessons from master Yoda).

One last observation. I have come to realize that people are kind of like Yoda. They will often reflect my mood. I always knew I should be more gentle and patient. This was, however, a living workshop on the topic.

Yoda is always excited to see me come home, even after 10 minutes. He does not hold grudges and lives in the moment. He is easily the most intelligent and interactive dog I have ever had….. and I owe him.

“He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. He will be at your side to his last breath. You owe it to him to be WORTHY of such devotion.” Sempre fedele.

He was with us 15 1/2 years. Good times. He left us Saturday, May 4. He will not be Forgotten.

Health, Hope, Fitness, Freedom

David Jones