Lonnie---dog people all understand and feel your loss.....its a $#@ tough thing.
They earn a part of the family and become a true friend no doubt.
Our companions are not with us long enough, as their life span is alot shorter than ours. Ya know it when ya bring them home, but its something ya ignore until ya have to face that day. I have Goldens, I have hunted with them and they are a very important part of my life also. So far, I have battled cancer in two of them and eventually had to put them down. I was a wreck let me say. They were companions as I stated.
Get back in the game friend. Get another companion,not a replacement, as there will never be that, but you will find that a new COMPANION will find another place in your heart to share time with .
Sorry for your loss