Looking for Murphy

My Wheaten Terrier, Riley, died 4 years ago, and Sage was too young to really notice the loss.  But she has spent almost 5 years with Murphy and is, I think, displaying signs of wondering what happened. 

Sage is rather independent.  When we walk with other folks and their dogs, usually Sage heads off by herself.  But, since Monday, she has been almost overly attentive to her dog friends.  Romping through the park with Dexter, pulling me on the leash toward strange dogs, walking side-by-side with Molly (even more amazing, Molly is a Chow and still tolerated the lab love!).  

At home, she has been sniffing Murphy's empty bowl, walking through the whole house, smelling where Murphy used to hang out.  

At Thanksgiving, when Murphy would be all kitchen all day, Sage held back.  She would usually follow Murph's lead on the big moony eyes I am starving gig.  Yesterday she finally came into the kitchen when I put several pieces of turkey in her bowl.  

Or maybe she just senses my sadness.  Senses I am looking for Murphy.  We are both letting out large sighs...

But, she did greet all the guests with lab gusto.  Toys brought out for show and tell, the rear-end, not just the tail, working over time, lots of air kisses (she would make a great New York socialite).  She worked the room like a politician.  

And now, now we wake up to a new day and just try to get through it.  Looking for Murphy.

Murphy's day.