Jessica Simpson’s behavior now causing concern

With her career now in limbo, her romance with Romo a historical record and the unenviable trauma of losing her dog, friends close to Jessica Simpson are afraid the sad star may soon crack from the strain.

“Daisy was her baby,” one friend told People. “It’s going to put her into the worst place ever.” But another source was more hopeful, “She’s really upset, but she’s not spiraling out of control,” they said sagely. “It’s like losing a family member, but she’s focusing on work and her family and friends.”

Daisy was a gift from ex-husband, Nick Lachey in 2004, and the caramel-shaded canine soon shared a deep bond. Last week, a coyote snatched Daisy from right in front of a mortified Jessica, and despite rewards and posters she’s not been seen since.

And Jessica is said to be taking this hard.

“She won’t leave her parents’ house,” says a friend. “Whenever things went wrong for Jess, she reached for Daisy. She was Jessie’s security blanket.” they told the reporters.

But life is not all dark — On Saturday her friend and stylist, Kevin Paves, took Jess to Encino for drinks to try and revive her, but without much success; “She wasn’t smiling much,” says a witness. “The wine relaxed her a bit, but it was still pretty clear she was having a bad week.”

Friends close to the star — of whom there are few, Jessie doesn’t let too many people get close — say that Daisy was one of the most pampered pets in the whole showbiz realm; Jessica fed her on steak — never dog food — threw parties for Daisy’s birthdays and even fired assistants if Daisy disliked them; “Daisy ran the house,” the friend recalls. “If she didn’t like you, you were gone.”

Another close source seems inclined to agree, “Jessica has a very small inner circle,” they explained. “But Daisy gave her unconditional love, and unlike most of the men in her life, Daisy never betrayed her.”

And there is one thread that emerges quite often when Jessie’s friends give reviews. “Jessica is very needy and clingy,” says the pal. “She is sweet…but she hates to be alone. She smothers people – that’s what happened with Tony. Daisy was exactly what Jessica needed. It’s been a tough year and that dog was her life.”

And if Jess would put half the work into singing that she’s blown on exploiting the kidnap like this, she might have a life truly worthy of news…