I believe you have explained this in your opening sentence "I have owned and lost dozens of dogs". I REALLY think you need to wait after the 1st one goes. Subsequent ones can be replaced easier.
SOME people treat their dogs like a child instead of a pet. For THOSE people, waiting is very important.
You seem to have a pretty well balanced nature about such things(given your horrible experience). Getting another dog right away works for you because of it. But for those who anthropomorphize their pets, they need more time. This couple is a perfect example.
I know you'd never do this over the loss of a pet, but for those who think about taking such drastic actions, they need to grieve properly.
Do you think these people would have killed themselves if they had two dogs?
I know people who were so hurt by the loss of their 1st dog they they could not ever let themselves or their children experience dog ownership again. If they had gotten another one I think they would have adjusted quicker.
That is sad.
Like the old adage, if your horse throws you off the best thing to do is get right up and get back on again. Otherwise your fear could become so all encompassing that you never got back on again. Also the horse learns that he has beaten you.
BTW, I do treat my dogs like they were children. 2 Jack Russels sleep right next to me in bed and a hound dog sleeps on the floor. The hound waits for me to cover her with a blanket before she closes her eyes. I have some really spoiled dogs. ;9)