OP, I lost my Basset Hound Millie who was the love of my life back in August of 2015. She was the most amazing dog ever and I vowed I would never get over her. She lived to be 16 years and a month. I look for another Basset Hound just like her but knew I wanted another Basset Hound right away or I would just be worse off especially since I am single. I read every single article I could possibly read, cried a lot, and finally had to choose another dog out of the litter or wait another 3 months. I picked Melvin. He is nothing like Millie but my God he's the absolute love of my life. He's so incredible and my family loves him to death. I'll never forget Millie but getting another dog helped my pain like 99.99%. I'm happy again and so should you be when it's time to let go of your current best friend.

Hope that helps.