Andrew goes to visit his dying Aunt Rose in the nursing home and promises her he will take care of the one thing she loves, her infinitely loving dog, a golden retriever named Sandy. Rose married a rich man who died just after the marriage, and was left with the wealth of the inheritance. Her sister, Andrew's mother, has always struggled financially, and Andrew wants to get in good with Aunt Rose before she dies to gain her inheritance. When he visits her, the one thing she wants is to see her beloved dog, but the nurses won't allow it, fearing he will hurt the frail woman. Andrew takes care of Sandy for several weeks, and grows to love him. Aunt Rose makes him promise that he will let her see Sandy once more before she passes away. Sandy is too large to sneak into Aunt Rose's room, so Andrew cuts off his head and brings it to Aunt Rose in a paper bag. She smiles once more and then passes away. Andrew inherits her house, and although Sandy is not physically there, his presence still haunts Andrew and the house.