Real-Life Dog Behind Red Dead Redemption 2 Dog Has Passed Away

Einstein’s owner, Jason Barnes, InXile Entertainment’s Animation Director and also a Red Dead Redemption 2 Senior Animator, shared the sad news on his Instagram.

In the heartwarming dedication to his best friend, Barnes described the canine as “truly one of a kind” and explained that his uncanny intelligence is what earned him the name Einstein.

“You were more than just a dog; you were a legend. Your intelligence and unwavering loyalty made you stand out above all other pups,” Barnes wrote. “Your spirit touched the hearts of all those who had the privilege of crossing paths with you. Your warmth and affection were boundless, and your love for life and play was infectious.”

Barnes continued saying, “Though our time together has come to an end, your memory will live on forever. Red Dead Redemption 2 may immortalize you as Cain, but it is the memories we created together that truly preserve your spirit.”

Barnes shared with PC Gamer that he first saw the dog as a puppy, then named Hero, at a shelter. He later renamed him Einstein and trained him as a service dog.

Einstein’s career as Cain’s animal motion capture actor began when he did a fitting to test the dog mo-cap suit. Barnes said, “he was known by all of the actors at this point and because of his service training, he was very used to sitting and waiting patiently which made him a perfect mo-cap dog.”

Because of Einstein’s casting as Cain, Barnes didn’t only work as one of the game’s animator but also as Einstein’s trainer on set.

“He was such a good boy. It’s incredible how well he did, even the actors were surprised,” Barnes said.

Though a minor character in the game, Red Dead Redemption 2 players probably remember Cain. He was a stray dog in the game who wandered and found a home in the Van der Linde gang’s camp at Clemens Point.