Red and Rover by Brian Basset for February 11, 2025

It better not be chocolate, Rover.

Today’s strip reminds me of one from 2020. Red asked Rover to be his Valentine and Rover agreed but asked, “Why are you asking me now? Valentine’s Day isn’t until Friday.” We saw why in the last panel. Red said to a girl, “Sorry. I already have a Valentine.”

Someone commented that Valentine’s Day being on a Friday dated this story arc in the 1960s and early ’70s strip to either 1968 or 1974. I would say that it was 1968 as I have noticed details which date the strip to around 1967 to 1970. Brian Basset has said that it is largely set when he was either nine or ten and he was born in November 1957 so that would cover most of 1967 and 1968 but some story arcs do seem to be dated to 1970 (when he was twelve) at the earliest.

Who could resist Rover and Valentine candy, too?

The candy can be shared, Rover darling!

I can see Rover stashing some milky bones away to give Red, but candy, I don’t know about that.

Poor Rover. Red needs to explain to Ruby she can be his secondary valentine. First spot goes to Rover

I remember one where Rover asked Red if he could not be his Valentine and gave a treat to a dachshund.

Uh, no. Especially if it’s chocolate. That stuff is toxic for dogs.

Just not the chocolate pieces,rover!

Rover, always so practical.

Back away from the chocolate!

Always on the “sunny side”!!!!!

Not the chocolates however……

Rover ….. You found the silver lining to a potential problem …. Good Job …. :)

Speaking of Valentine’s Day, this one brought back my memory of my same age school days…. of how simple it was in Red’s time line…the little cards from classmates, and one corner display of chocolates in stores…

They will be each other’s valentines for all eternity!