I lost both of my dogs exactly two months apart, just a couple months ago. They were 14 (died in her sleep) and 15 (cancer). I guess I'm feeling similar to Paul. Even now, when the train goes by (tracks are about a half mile from my house) I expect to hear them barking. Yes, I had a cat, too, but he died in '07 at 15. I'm not replacing any of them for quite some time. I have lots of friends with animals if I need a "fix."
Nothing to do with guns, but I do notice noises more, house settling, car doors closing, etc. This isn't the crime capital of the world by any means but we did have a methlab house in my neighborhood several years ago.
