RIP, Joma <3 (Patreon)

Sorry I've been so quiet in here lately. Over the weekend Luke lost two of his best friends: one human and one canine.

The human's a bit more personal, but I think I've shared the canine with you here before (and I know there are some friends & locals following along), so I thought I'd share a tiny bit about Luke's boxer dog, Joma.

Joma spent her days at my house while Luke's at school (he teaches high school art). I already miss having all three of the animals in my studio all afternoon.

There are two videos I wish I'd have captured of Joma: one is the drawing up top. Ollie went from being very unhappy about Joma (see attached video!) to being OBSESSED with her. 

Every time Joma came into the house, Ollie would hop downstairs and start weaving in and out of her legs, purring loudly. Joma had always wanted one of my cats to be friends with her (never happened), but she was also SUPER respectful of the cats (because it never happened), so when Ollie fell in love with her, she'd just stand stock still and let him love up on her legs.

(This photo doesn't capture the love, but wherever Joma went, Ollie followed.)

The other video I wish I'd have captured would take too long to draw (maybe another day!):

When Ellie was still alive - even last year, when she was near the end - Joma and I would roughhouse in the studio together. She'd get all riled up and growl and bark at me while we played. 

If Ellie heard Joma growl at me, no matter how far away Ellie was, she would run in as fast as a sick old cat can run, smack Joma on the butt with one paw, and hiss at her. She was protecting me!! Joma would stop playing and look at her with an absolutely shocked expression. Cracked me up every time.

There are a few favorite videos on my Instagram stories today, if you wanna see her in action. She was a hilarious dog.

Soft-bark in peace, Joma. <3