I know how you feel Tooth, but even though the next dog will not be able to replace your past one, if you give it a chance, it will worm its way into your heart, and become special in its own way. I have lost many pets over the last 50+ years, and every one of them was special in their own way. I am not certain if I could be happy if I didn't have a dog in the home. My present Mini Dachshund is 20 years and 3 months old, and is still going strong, but I have no idea of when she will pass, however, I know that it is an inevitable event.
This is Molly at 6 months old...