Animals in a household mourn a loss as keenly as other family members. But we are all learning to adapt and adjust to life without Daisy. For those of us with intellect and speech, we can temper sadness with an understanding of the issues surrounding Daisy’s passing. For Sam, who deals in a sensory world, understanding her absence while still surrounded by her scent, is harder still.

For now, seeking comfort, Sam has adopted the Big Guy as his buddy of choice. When Frank sits, Sam heads for his lap; when he lies on his couch, Sam curls up on his chest. Needless to say, he sleeps tucked between us.

But with each passing day, he seems to be relaxing into his new reality. Perhaps the strong scent is abating as we remove Daisy’s bed and bowls and dog food, and vacuum residual dog hair. Today, he took up his customary spot on the back of the couch in Frank’s office.

I don’t believe that his bond with Daisy will ever be completely forgotten, but with time, the sense of loss will ease. I guess that can be said for all of us.