Buddy The Wonder Cat is slowly adjusting to Sasha being gone.  We’ve helped the process along by making small changes in the daily routine and, most importantly, giving him time and space to grieve for “his dog” as he needed to.

The first week was the hardest for us all. Long into the night, Buddy would howl mournfully as he searched for his best friend. He dropped weight he couldn’t afford to lose. During the day he hid in hard-to-find spots before retreating to a cabinet in the master closet to sleep on one of Sasha’s towels I hadn’t yet laundered. (Still haven’t, and won’t as long as Buddy needs it.)

This past week was a turning point, as if he’d realized she wouldn’t be coming back. He’s come out of hiding when we play his favorite music (he’s a fan of classic rock and music from the 50s and 60s), and he’s once again spending time in the office with me. On Friday, following a tradition that began with Sasha, he stayed for evening family time and after-dinner treats.

Last night, for the first time in weeks, there were more chuckles than tears when Buddy The Wonder Cat took over one of Sasha’s nightly duties and herded us off to bed and waited, watching, until the lights were switched off. I listened as he made his final patrol through the house, and was sliding into sleep as he settled down next to me for the night.

And so begins the next chapter in our lives.