Sky, I have nothing I can say that will make you feel better....nobody really does. Dogs are a special friend only some of us can truly appreciate. There will be a day when I am where you are, and I do not look forward to that day as my dog is my best friend. I have
had many great dogs and when they died I grieved as you are, for a long time. I had a very talented, smart, exceptional lab named PAL when I was a teenager, he was killed on one of his "walk-abouts" where I beieve he sought out all the local females, by a car. He was 10, and he was as much a part of my creation, as any adult, as my parents etc.... etc.... 3 years ago was the first time my parents decided to get a new dog, and I am 36. PAL was a great dog in many ways, but we must move on if we love the K-9's. I have had many great dogs since PAL, and now have a very unique CORGIE named FFINN. Read "Marley and Me"