Aloha.
As we say in Hawaii, kala mai no ko oukou make ana.
(so very sorry for your loss).
Those that do not adopt a dog as their four legged child do not understand how deep the bond is and how devastating the loss can be. To many it is indeed like loosing your best friend and/or your child. I have gone through this loss many times as an adult and it never gets any easier. As I type this, I just picked up my beloved 15 year old Cocker Spaniel from the vet after a much needed tooth cleaning. She survived the anesthetic but is not in great shape yet. Hopefully she will bounch back, but she is a very senior dog, and my days are numbered with her company. I am dreading that day when the house is empty. I am hoping she will last three more years, but that is looking a bit too optimistic.
My sincere sympanties, Glen.