Carl,
Sorry for your loss mate.
Never been a big animal person. To cut a long story short, the sis in law died of flu - had lung issues and got the flu about 2 weeks before the jabs were due out about 5 years ago. She had adopted a street dog a year earlier.
Much against my will, we were stuck with the mutt.
Best friend I ever had. Love him to bits. Know for a fact that when he moves on, we will cross paths again. He has kept my marriage and our family together, everyone is besotted about the cling, needy git.
The deal is, he is irreplacable.
But if you love a dog, go down to the shelter and love another one.
Carlos would have wanted it.
Mind yourself.
And your new best mate.