How I know George Lucas Had a Dog

In Star Wars: A New Hope, Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi must sneak R2-D2 and C-3PO past a checkpoint controlled by Storm Troopers. How do they do it?

Storm Trooper: Let me see your identification.

Obi-Wan Kenobi: You don’t need to see his identification.

Storm Trooper: We don’t need to see his identification.

Obi-Wan Kenobi: These aren’t the droids you’re looking for.

Storm Trooper: These aren’t the droids we’re looking for.

Obi-Wan Kenobi: He can go about his business.

Storm Tropper: You can go about your business.

Obi-Wan Kenobi: Move along.

Storm Trooper: Move along, move along.

…

Luke Skywalker: I can’t understand how we got by those troops. I thought we were dead.

Obi-Wan Kenobi: The Force can have a strong influence on the weak minded.

How did George Lucas come up with this idea?

I think I know. He had a dog.

Pettigrew has an uncanny ability to control the thoughts of others, especially if it involves getting morsels of meat from my husband or father.

How does he do it?

He sits and looks attentively at his target.

No barking. No whining. No overt begging. Just attentive, alert watching and waiting.

But behind that quiet façade, I’m convinced that Pettigrew is drawing on the powers of the canine Force to send his message, “Why don’t you give a piece of meat to the dog? It will make him happy. It will make you happy.”

And, as I watch, a small piece of meat is lofted off the cutting board and into Pettigrew’s waiting mouth. (Actually, it usually lands on the floor first. Pettigrew is terrible at catching.)

Even when I say that Pettigrew’s stomach is upset. Or that really, he’s had enough; my words can’t counter the power of the Force.

I’m not sure my father and husband realize they’re doing it.

The power of the Force is strong within Pettigrew.

These aren’t the Droids you’re looking for