Bob Ross, the iconic television painter, remains a global symbol of kindness and tranquility. His gentle demeanor and soothing voice were not limited to the canvas; they extended to his deep love for animals. This passion frequently found its way into The Joy of Painting, where his animal companions became a delightful highlight for viewers, showcasing Ross’s unique affinity for creatures often found in his serene landscapes. Forget typical pets – Bob Ross had a special place in his heart for the wild inhabitants of his painted worlds. Let’s explore the charming array of Bob Ross’ pets that graced his show, a list that could easily be reimagined as a nature-lover’s version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
Many of the clips featuring these animals are embedded within full episodes of The Joy of Painting. While you might need to skim through to spot the critters, or perhaps you’ll be happily drawn into watching the entire episode – either way, you’re in for a treat.
1. Peapod the Pocket Squirrel: The Star of the Show
No animal was more synonymous with The Joy of Painting than Peapod, the pocket squirrel. According to Bob Ross, this tiny squirrel had a penchant for snuggling into his pocket, a heartwarming image viewers could only imagine. What they did see, however, was Ross tenderly bottle-feeding Peapod (“Aren’t they the most precious characters you’ve ever seen?”) and cradling him in his palm as the little creature peacefully slept (“I like to just watch him sleep”). This “peekaboo squirrel” charmed audiences in several episodes, becoming such a fan favorite that he even inspired a successor, as we’ll see next. Peapod’s appearances underscored Bob Ross’s gentle nature and his genuine love for even the smallest creatures.
2. Peapod Jr. and the Squirrelly Successors
While Peapod was undoubtedly special, he was part of a larger pattern of Bob Ross’s fascination with squirrels. He often cared for multiple squirrels, particularly in their early stages of life, before releasing them back into his backyard. A delightful group, or “scurry,” of squirrels made guest appearances on The Joy of Painting, each contributing to the show’s warm and inviting atmosphere. These squirrels, often referred to as Peapod Jr. and others, continued the legacy of the original Peapod, delighting viewers with their playful antics and further cementing Bob Ross’s reputation as an animal lover. These segments were a testament to Bob Ross’s commitment to nurturing wildlife and sharing that joy with his audience.
3. Hoot the Owl: From Fledgling to Free Spirit
Bob Ross’s affection for birds was only rivaled by his squirrel obsession. One feathered friend who graced The Joy of Painting was Hoot the Owl. When Hoot first appeared, he was just a few weeks old, still covered in downy fluff. “He’s nothing but down,” Ross commented in an episode, humorously adding, “As I mentioned earlier, him and I both have the same hairdresser. We’ve both got the fuzz top up here.” This cute “little devil,” as Ross affectionately called his animals, later reappeared as a fully grown owl. Ross often collaborated with wildlife rescuers like Diana Schaffer, whom he affectionately called the “bird lady.” During visits to her sanctuary, Ross interacted with a variety of animals, including sparrows, a hawk, a wild turkey, and even a baby groundhog. He even shared gentle whispers with a blind robin, showcasing his universal compassion for all creatures. Reflecting on Hoot’s journey, Ross mused, “Old Hoot though, he’s grown. By the time you see this show, he will have been turned loose and he’ll be long gone. By the time you see this he’ll probably have a little condo in Miami and house payments, a BMW in the driveway … he’ll be like the rest of us. All trapped with responsibilities. He may even have children of his own.” This playful yet poignant reflection highlights Ross’s ability to connect with animals on a deeply personal level, imbuing them with human-like qualities and humor.
4. Richard and Cathy: The Baby Robin Duo
When a pair of adorable baby robins made their appearance on the show, Bob Ross christened them Richard and Cathy, named after two members of the show’s camera crew. These hungry “little rascals” earned their names due to perceived personality parallels with their human namesakes: Richard, like the robin, was balding, and Cathy was known for being talkative, just like the chirping birds. This charming anecdote illustrates Bob Ross’s warm and personable nature, extending his friendly connections to both humans and animals alike. The robins became another example of how The Joy of Painting seamlessly blended art instruction with heartwarming animal encounters.
5. Chimney Swifts: Clinging Critters
In another delightful segment, four chimney swifts, endearingly referred to as “little devils” by Ross, clung to Bob Ross’s shirt. This memorable scene showcased the birds’ trust and comfort around Ross, further emphasizing his gentle and approachable demeanor. The image of these tiny birds finding refuge on Ross’s shirt is a powerful visual representation of his connection with the animal kingdom, highlighting the sense of peace and safety he seemed to emanate.
6. Little Bit, the Sherman’s Fox Squirrel: A Giant Surprise
What could be better than a squirrel in Bob Ross’s world? A giant squirrel, of course! In one episode, Ross’s friend Cindy introduced him to Little Bit, a Sherman’s fox squirrel. This encounter clearly thrilled the animal-loving painter, who was visibly captivated by the larger rodent. Little Bit’s appearance provided a moment of lighthearted wonder, showcasing Ross’s childlike enthusiasm for all creatures, big and small. This segment added another layer to the understanding of Bob Ross’s pets – his appreciation wasn’t limited to the common or expected; he found joy in the unique and unusual as well.
7. A Great Horned Owl: Inspired Reflections
Cindy also facilitated Bob Ross’s meeting with a majestic great horned owl. This encounter sparked a heartfelt reflection from Ross: “I like animals so much. I’m tellin’ you, I could just about make a career out of taking care of these little rascals. They’re so beautiful. Isn’t that something?” This quote encapsulates Bob Ross’s genuine passion for animals, suggesting that his artistic pursuits were intertwined with his love for the natural world. The great horned owl, a symbol of wisdom and wildness, resonated deeply with Ross’s gentle spirit and appreciation for nature’s beauty.
8. A Sandhill Crane: Overcoming Adversity
Another of Cindy’s rescued animals was a sandhill crane born with a twisted neck, possibly due to an abnormality during egg development. This encounter highlighted Bob Ross’s compassion for animals with special needs or challenges. His gentle interaction with the crane demonstrated his belief in the inherent value and beauty of every living creature, regardless of their imperfections. This segment, along with the Sherman’s fox squirrel footage, further solidified the theme of rescue and care that permeated Bob Ross’s animal interactions.
9. Deer: Bambi’s Gentle Counterpoint
During a visit to another friend’s rescue animal sanctuary, belonging to Carmen Shaw, Bob Ross encountered a pair of deer. His reaction was immediate and affectionate: “I love these little characters, I want to take them all home with me.” He also met a baby raccoon during this visit. In another episode, he cradled a baby deer, showering affection on a fawn with his signature soothing voice, creating a moment of pure serenity. On both occasions featuring deer, Ross mentioned his inability to fathom shooting Bambi, underscoring his deep respect for these gentle creatures and his broader anti-hunting sentiment. These moments emphasized Ross’s role as a protector of the innocent and vulnerable, both in the animal world and beyond.
10. A Baby Raccoon: Sweet Beginnings
In a particularly endearing appearance, a baby raccoon was bottle-fed by Bob Ross. In what might be considered his most critical animal observation, Ross noted that while baby raccoons are sweet, they grow up to be “pretty tough little characters.” He even mentioned burping the little one, a charming detail that, unfortunately, wasn’t captured on film. This segment, while highlighting the cuteness of baby animals, also offered a glimpse into the realities of wildlife, acknowledging the inherent wildness even in seemingly cuddly creatures.
Bob Ross’s genuine love for animals shone brightly through The Joy of Painting. His pets were more than just on-screen companions; they were a reflection of his gentle soul and his deep connection to the natural world, enriching his art and endearing him to millions.
