Spip is saved by Spirou in Rob-Vel's and Jijé's first joint adventure "L'Héritage de Bill Money" ("The Inheritance of Bill Money", 1938), and from then on he stands by his master's side. Under Rob-vel his presence is just visual, occasionally serving to gnaw ropes that bind his master, or adding to a comical detail. It is under Jijé's authorship he gains the capacity to speak through "thought balloons" (similar to Snoopy and Garfield). From this point he is given to state his opinion on any situation, often in a comical manner, and his communications appear to be understood.