Patricia Alwick and Grissom in “Art Imitates Life”

Dr. Grissom! May I have a word with you?

Grissom

Yes, of course. Come in.

I wonder why it is you hold what I do in such obvious contempt?

Grissom

Excuse me?

The last time we spoke, you mentioned that you were having problems with Hank. Now, out of concern for you and because I take my job very seriously, I started asking around.

Grissom

Oh...

And was met with a mixture of bafflement and smirks by most of your staff until David Hodges took pity on me and informed me that Hank was your dog.

Grissom

I apologize. It was a serious question.

Oh, really?

Grissom

For the last few weeks my dog's been listless, barely eats, and I just wondered that if you thought it was possible that pets could take on the emotion of their owners?

Well, companion animals were bred to respond to human beings. At some level, I do believe that they resonate with what their owners are feeling. So, what are you feeling?

Grissom

I've just been a little distracted lately. Uh, having a hard time focusing on the details.

That's normal.

Grissom

Not for me. [pause] I wondered if you knew, typically how long this lasts?

There's no typical. Days, weeks, sometimes years, the important thing is to acknowledge it, but you do have to talk about it, and if not with me, then with somebody else and soon.