Fans of Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) have come together after it was announced that Cain’s dog actor, a blue healer named Einstein, passed away. In an interview with PC Gamer Einstein’s owner, RDR2 animator Jason Barnes, recounted his first meeting with the dog and how Einstein got the role of Cain. Barnes shared the news of his dog’s passing on Instagram yesterday.
“Einstein was truly one of a kind,” Barnes wrote. “From the moment we met, we formed a deep bond, and it was clear that we were destined for countless adventures together. You possessed an uncanny intelligence, earning you the name Einstein; even if, at times, the name felt like a joke…”
“…Einstein, my bestest boy, as we bid you farewell today, know that you were cherished, loved, and appreciated beyond measure. The void you leave behind is immeasurable, but the imprint you’ve left on our lives will never fade. Rest in peace, knowing that you will forever be remembered as a legend, an adventure companion, and my best friend. Thank you for everything, I love you doody bear.”
According to Barnes, he first met his dog at a shelter when he was a puppy and under the name Hero. Barnes renamed him Einstein in inspiration of Cowboy Bebop and Back to the Future, and trained him as a service dog. Einstein began his involvement with RDR2 after Barnes was promoted to the Rockstar New York office. The dog was dubbed “the best dog” around the office thanks to his training as a service dog, and thanks to that training Barnes said that it made Einstein a “perfect mo-cap dog.”
The news of Einstein’s passing drew many members of the RDR2 development team to pay tribute by recounting their experiences with the dog. Others within the general gaming community together to express their sympathies as well.
Einstein was expected to live till his 20s, but unfortunately, his health failed due to cancer. Einstein was 13 years old.