I haven't had grief counseling of any sort, but I do know the pain of losing a pet. They're more than "just a .....". They're a furry child that depends on us, so when something bad happens we can't help feeling we somehow let them down. Considering how often animals are used in therapy, I can't help but think that it would be just as common to need therapy due to the loss of one.

Since you're apprehensive about bringing it up with a counselor that you're not sure deals with pet loss, definitely contact the SPCA, even if it is only once a month.

I think Sandy would be happy if you saved another dog from life in a shelter, or no life at all, rather than feeling you were being disloyal to her. You're not replacing her. You'd be honoring her memory by wanting another dog as wonderful as she was.