Steve, I am so sorry for your loss. It is never easy but does get better, 7 time will help to heal.
2 weeks after out maiden voyage trip to SD this winter, we lost our Gracie.
Six and a half years ago we found Gracie literally running along I-5. N of Salem. She was one half of the velcro, my wife was the other.
She made the trip to SD in her diapers and in my wife's lap....2500 miles and a real trooper. Now I know why my wife stumbled on the 20 a year ahead of our schedule, when we bought it a week later not even having a TV to bring it home and why we decided on SD for the maiden (where my wife and I met). It was all part Gracie's master plan. We were there to keep her company.
Last week we adopted a 4 mo old pup...Rooney (as in Andy....check the brows). The love and friendship cycle begins new.
She is a real sweetheart and I still find myself calling her Gracie. Like Oliver they are our best friends and much much more. My wife mentioned that in her lifetime Rooney is her 14th dog. I think her heart is pure dog by now and a whole lotta good dogs in the mix. Life doesn't get any better.
Maybe this story that I saved will help. This was published the day after Gracie died. Another sign...all part of her plan
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2016/...to-heaven.html
be well