The Travails of the Astounding!

When I first met Dimitri, I like most others was just a bit uneasy. "Well" I said to myself, "Dave's finally crossed that fine line between lovable kook, and institutional freak-job". See: coming from New York, I've got plenty of experience with rats. No, the New York rat thing isnt merely a cliche', depending on where you walk youll see plenty of em running, scurrying and squeaking along with the business men, buskers and bums. The city is teeming. So to see your good buddy handle one of these 'subway cats' with such adoration can be a bit weird. So anyway, back to Dimitri. I think during my first encounter with said rat, Dave put Dimitri on his shoulder which really blew my mind. I mean, I had always assumed that if given the chance, a rat would just scratch out your eyes and burrow into your skull.... or something. Why? Cause theyre fuckin rats! But this rat was different. It liked to be pet, especially on the head, but that was only after he had the opportunity to sniff you proper, which usually meant a non lethal nibble on the finger. Luckily Dimitri and I skipped this step and dived straight into a trusting relationship.I'd put food onto the ledge of his tank, he'd climb up, grab hold with his pincer teeth, and dash into his hut to store or nibble, as the situation dictated. My relationship with Dimitri gradually blossomed when I moved in with Dave and by the end of the summer, I was letting him lose on the apartment floor following him with my camera, chasing him on hands and knees to and fro. Oh the adventure we had! Anyway, this past thursday (April 28th 2005), Dimitri died of natural causes. At three and a quarter years old, our friend Dimitri was a venerable rat indeed. He traveled a thousand miles, made dozens of friends, and even starred in a movie! Here's to you Dimitri!