I had a friend who had a little dog. That little dog made him feel like a king - so loyal when they were together. Only problem was - the little dog kept running away. I don't think it ever realized how much heartbreak it caused my friend - it was just busy being a little dog. My friend kept rescuing it out of danger, and the little dog would show signs of appreciation yet mixed with fear, sensing the frustration in my friend's face.
Time and time again they went through this cycle. I kept wondering when my friend would just give up and let it suffer the consequences. He never did. He loved that little dog no matter what.
To this day I can't decide if that was a strength or a weakness.