I'm so sorry for you're loss. Rocket looks like a mighty good friend. I am still nursing the loss of my Brittany.
Loosing my baby actually hurt more than loosing some of my relations.
I suppose it was because she was the first face I saw in the morning and the last I saw at night. She was always happy to see me. She was with me everything I did except go to work. I was a stranger in my own house without her.
I can't tell you that time will heal this wound because after 8 months it still hurts.
Only a real dog lover would understand this , but I am starting to believe in an afterlife for dogs. I can't think heaven could be all that splendid without them. Maybe you give dogs so much of your own soul to them that God makes room for them too.
I am convinced of it. See this page for some thoughts from dog lovers on this.