Red and Rover by Brian Basset for February 25, 2025

Rover does have the right stuff.

Of course, Rover has “the right stuff”. Sadly, Laika didn’t.

Nice that Red’s mom believes in female achievement and empowerment—especially in the ’60’s.

If Laika could make it into space, Rover can too.

……do not throw me under the bus!!!!!!!

The fact that dogs have shorter lives than humans has been acknowledged in this strip. In a strip from 2019, which was reprinted in 2022 when Brian was having surgery and then recovering from it, Red asks Rover what he likes best about being a dog. Rover replies, “Being owned by you.” Red says, “Ah! What do you like least about being a dog?” Rover replies, “The thought of having to wait many years in Heaven before you join me there.”

Some readers found that sweet and others found it too sad when it first appeared in 2019. Brian posted a comment that he did not mean to make anyone sad. He was just remembering his childhood dog with affection. The current story arc seems to be set before this strip as neither Red nor Rover are taking the shorter lifespans of dogs into consideration.

Sounds like the perfect outer space family!

Red’s mom is so loving and encouraging! She’s a perfect parent for our little darlings!

And since this is a comic (fantasy) Rover could get into the astronaut program with Red and Ruby! It’s all up to the cartoonist!!

As Ruby moves toward the capsule, a final check of the oxygen levels are made by junior tech Red…

She doesn’t mean anything by it — she just made a comment about Ruby.

Still think red is outta his league with ruby,sorry to say…..

Please let Red and Rover live together forever.