Bobi and Paleoart

The world’s oldest dog died four days ago, at 31 years old. His name was Bobi and they fed him rice and chicken everyday. The one thing I love more than dinosaurs is dogs, because I’ve got one and she is the world to me.

Dogs are…well. They’re the best thing to ever happen, really. I got a little teary at my desk thinking of Bobi, (the dog), who looked so soft and patient in every photo and video taken of him. June is a lot like that. She’s full of funny noises, soft expressions, and weird little habits that make her so full of life. When I first moved to college, I was texted a picture of June on my bed. Apparently she’d been lying there all the time since I left. My roommate has a dog. He has been doing the same.

I can’t watch any movie where the dog dies. It’s not fair! Dogs have nothing but love and trust for us. To betray that, even in fiction, is not something I can tolerate. I can’t think about Laika for too long without crying, either. That poor, poor girl. I can only imagine that when they launched her into space, God sent his kindest angels out to meet her, and bring her home before it got too loud or too hot. She was greeted with soft ear scratches and a warm hand, whispering “good girl,” before she went. She had to have been. I won’t accept it any other way.

June saved my life. She has no idea, of course. But the week before we brought her home, I had been contemplating suicide. Then we had a little puppy to take care of, and due to her restless nature, we had to take turns sleeping by her crate so that she felt safe and would be quiet. At about four in the morning during my turn, she got up out of the crate. She came over to where I was lying on the tile of the kitchen, and she crawled under my shirt, where for the first time that night, she finally fell asleep. And that was that. I couldn’t abandon a baby dog who needed me to fall asleep! There was no way. Obviously other factors were at play as well, but something about the pureness of that moment sticks out to me.

So, rest in peace, Bobi. You wonderful boy. Sleep well and know that your life was well-lived and you will be missed.

Dogs aside—and I swear, that is the only time you’ll hear that phrase coming from me–I’ve been pleasantly surprised! The other night, I was casually sketching out some dinosaurs. After a moment, I decided to add some underpainting to one of the sketches. I struggle with digital painting, so I wasn’t expecting it to go anywhere. But then I blacked out and came to with a digital painting I am actually proud of. Surprise!

I’m very happy to notice that I’ve been subconsciously following the rule of thirds ever since DESAN101.

Anyway, I’m off to finish my homework. I get to go home this weekend–REESE IS COMING HOME THIS WEEKEND–and I’ll pet my dog then, and let her know how much I love her.

Sweet dreams, Bobi. Good boy.

October 25, 2023