Thank you all for your thoughts and notes about Josie. I have shared all the messages with my family, it is comforting to know she touched others too. I have received many questions about Sir Argus and how he is doing. He knows something is not right. Josie and Argus were close, he arrived when she was two, half-siblings with the same Father. He has looked for her each morning, searched the yard in hopes of seeing her when he goes out. We have been keeping him busy, lots of attention, walks, and love. He is our toddler, big, goofy, and usually happy. His joy level has taken a hit for sure.

The most noticeable things are interacting with non-family. Josie was the greeter, the first to make contact with new people. If she warmed to them, then Argus would after a bit, and Josie always warmed to people so it always worked out. He is missing his buffer and does not know how to react yet. He always took his cues from her, she was the alpha.

Today we took our first extended walk/hike. A few miles around the Charles River in Medfield, a favorite spot. It was different, during the walk I realized, he is the sidekick without a lead. Robin without a Batman. He is our Boy Wonder, and I hope he grows to the new role. He is so lovable, but with a bark that can make you soil yourself. He misses her, we all do, but we get to express it differently. He is a good boy with many adventures in front of him.

tr/trp