Sorry John for your loss, we had a dog Dinky for 16 years after she died I sad never again will we have a dog. After much coaching from our daughter & grand daughter I finally said ok to a dog headed to the ponds death row, and of course she needed a pal to over come her fears she had been missed treated. Now I would not have it any different they bring so much to our lives It was a blessing in disguise to acquire these two mutes I love em.