I’m now on my fifth dog with my fourth dog, who’s nearly 10, still going strong. I love them and need them so much I always get a new puppy a soon as the oldest passes. Having a new puppy doe a great deal to distract from the loss of the old dog, even though nothing can really make up for it.
There is always the trauma bond. I’ve had many dogs but Becky, a husky-wolf, was there when I was in the pits so I needed her more, I guess, thus the bond. I truly hope since there are horses in heaven that our best friends will also be there. I miss them all.