Class reference in Java
<p>Hello Guys :D
Why can't I execute the following code withoud getting a runtime exception? How should it be rewritten? I am migrating from C++ where I could easily do that I suppose :D.</p>

<pre><code>class MyJavaClass {
    public static void main(String args[]) {
        Dog bushui_RIP = new Dog();
        Dog fellow = null;
        bushui_RIP.bark(fellow);
        fellow.bark();
    }
}
class Dog {
    public void bark(Dog buddy) {
        buddy = this;
    }
    public void bark() {
        System.out.println("I am barking!!!");
    }
}
</code></pre>
