Aww...

So very beautiful. I guess you know just how much I long for such a companion. There are only a handful of human beings that cared for me and loved me dearly, as much as I loved them, and sadly they are no longer here. Everyone else in my life has found some fault or issue with me and brought it my attention, and though I'd let them go and try to resolve such trivialities, they would continue to do so, despite me accepting their problems, habits, etc. with minimal or no complaints. I know now there there's no one left on this world that loves me like I've been loved, and frankly, I don't know where to look to find that soul to complete me. Couple that with me pretty much being sick and tired of human beings, and that only leaves domesticated, feral companions, and I've loved and said goodbye to far too many for me to lose another piece of my soul when the inevitable time comes for them to leave.

I guess that's why I've come to love and romanticize the notion of having Gryphon, Dragon, and other sapient, sentient Anthropomorphic animals as friends, companions, and if possible, family and perhaps something even more special.

I make no apologies and care not for what other people think of me, as I've hurt too damn much in this amazing world NOT to have someone with whom to share its beauty. Problem is, having fallen in love with the notion of mythical and mystical creatures that don't have any indication of existence in this world through our recorded history, one cannot simply follow their dreams and seek them out with nothing to go on -- no maps, no legends, no whispered words in dreams, no calling.

Anyway, I guess I'm pretty crazy to feel this way. Most everyone that writes these wonderful works of "fiction" and "fantasy" has someone or many someones in their lives that love and care for them -- perhaps a partner and soulmate. I knew long ago, I wouldn't be following the regular path, be it a product of growing up ridiculed by others throughout my childhood, to simply not finding human beings of either gender appealing in "that" way.

So all I have are the wonderful stories and art that so many fine writers and artists share with us here, and for that I am so very grateful. Many stories have a central character going through similar "issues" as me, yet they are somehow swept up into the care and love of those truly amazing souls that simply aren't known to exist in this world. How I so very much long for a similar experience -- to be in the company of Gryphons, Dragons, Anthros, etc. finding new friends who really, really do care about me as family, who don't make me feel less of a being for the problems I have, even when I open my home to them as guests with no rent, and pay for most of their food, and all of the bills. All I hear is how unhappy they are because I didn't let them rearrange all of my home, just most of the common areas, and making me fight to keep the one piece of furniture where it was that has been in the same place in my home for 40 years, and now holds Mom's ashes and pictures of Mom and Dad.

I have give so much and expected so little in return, but all I hear is how unhappy one of them is, because it isn't her home, and she can't do what she wants with it, how their son commented that he was afraid to get into the pool with me in it because I have a small wound that refuses to heal completely, and he's afraid he's going to catch something from me.

Oh man, when did I turn this wonderful image into a diatribe about my problems?! Would I have the same problems in the company of Gryphons, Dragons, and Anthros, or would things be different? I know I'd feel differently, and I'd finally have the opportunity to see friendships and companionship and explore romantic opportunities (which I have never pursued with people in my life), and perhaps find those who would fill the role of soulmates.

Okay, I'm done. Still crying over here, but just wanted to say how beautiful this image is, and the accompanying text. Even though they are characters in a story, I'm so very glad they have one another. To live in a world filled with magic and amazing creatures, and be able to form lasting friendships and bonds, and perhaps have a new family to fill in those hard, dark, empty spaces that chill me when I miss my family ... Oh, that would be something.

So for all the emotion that has been brought to the forefront -- the crap I'm dealing with here, and the amazing warmth and love radiating from that marvelous image. Let me say, CONGRATULATIONS! ... I'm submitting this image to the FEATURED ART Queue.

Let me also say thank you for writing such amazing stories, featuring some of my favorite characters. They have been a wonderful distraction for me over the years, and now more than even, something I need to maintain my sanity.

I guess that's also why I have the house guests. I don't think I'd be here without at least the presence of one of them -- the other two are part of the package -- and the contributions of this one individual have made my life much easier and helped a great deal in getting this house in some semblance of order, though my room and Mom's room remain mostly unchanged since I lost her. Okay, enough of my babbling. I hope this doesn't ruin your image. I just felt the need to comment. If you wish, I'll take it down. I just need to write to someone I knew would understand and appreciate just how much this artwork means to me.

Such beauty and passion. And I am glad to see this up on the mist of such a chaotic world. I personally take things moment by moment...Doing my best to get my own self in to some semblance of order...Plus I still have yet to learn to reign in some 'impulses' of mine[chuckles].But I'm sure that now I have some one like these two do to share this wondrous chaotic world with...I will be able to regain that strong mind set once more, to be able to traverse the world with them in my thoughts, and to do what needs to be done so I would be sure we both get to be together in each others claws again. And one day traverse the word with them holding my paw as we joyously adventure together.

A year later ... our friend Dasher is gone, but never forgotten. I hope he's doing well on the next leg of the journey. I hope we can all meet up one day. For the time being, I shall still long for the company of Gryphons, Dragons, and various and sundry mystical and Anthropomorphic animals as companions. Perhaps, one day, the longing will be fulfilled. One can only hope and keep the faith, right? :)