In sickness as in health

Even if you use good health and safety practices with your pet, you will likely outlive him. When a pet dies, it is a very sad time in your life. When a pet comes into your life as a puppy and lives as part of your family and then has a critical accident, becomes very ill, or dies of old age, it is hard to understand and deal with the sadness you feel.
When death occurs to a beloved pet, you have a right to mourn. If you have questions about what happened to your pet, talk to your veterinarian. How you handle the death of a pet is a very personal thing. Just remember, it's all right to feel very sad.
When your pet shows signs of age, consider getting another puppy. New puppies help revitalize older dogs and give them a bit more time with you. They also help the family to accept the aging or illness of the older dog.
Don't think that your pet would not want you to have another dog. If you select that next puppy carefully, he'll enrich your lives for another dozen years or more.