I feel such sympathy for someone who has lost a best fur friend. I can’t give advice because my story is a bit different. I lost my beloved Pug “Gadget” 4 years ago. I had her for 13 glorious years. She was quiet, easy to care for and independent. When I had to put her down I knew it was for her not me (she was blind, deaf, arthritic and had developed diabetes); her quality of life was non-existent. The most loving thing I could do for my girl was to let her go in peace. I knew I couldn’t deal with another dog any time soon so I waited. I waited an entire year and then I put my name on a waiting list at the local pet store for a Pug puppy. I waited 2 more years until I got a call in November of last year. They had a female pug puppy and she was the last one. I got “Velvet” and she is NOTHING like Gadget! She is needy, rambunctious, destructive and one of the most loving creatures I’ve ever come in contact with. My patience paid off. By the time I got her I was so ready for her I was and am willing to do anything to let her know she is not a replacement for Gadget rather Velvet has created a new room in my heart all her own…I am lucky to have two special friends; one is waiting for me and the other is keeping me happy while I’m in this existence.