Thank you for your comment. I'm glad you like my rendition of him. :)

I drew the tail sock thingy because of something that's bothered me about anthropomorphic animals in winter settings. Often, if they're all bundled up against the cold, rain, or other inclement weather; their tails are just sticking out there in the cold/wet/nastiness. If you had a tail (especially a hairless one as Derry's appears to be), wouldn't you want it wrapped up in something warm? (The same goes for feet – hence why I generally give my characters footwear.) This isn't the first time I've drawn such a thing. If you look in my archives at the winter-themed "Off the Deep End" comic, you'll notice the skunk character is wearing something similar.

If you're wondering why there are no shadows, my excuse is that it's an overcast day. :p