Hi Cairo.
I also have an elderly dog.he is a staffie lab cross.he was very much my husbands dog so when he died we shared the grief,he would go to the door and howl and I just wanted to go howl with him.we also had to re establish the pack order,in truth he is in charge just likes to let me think I am.I also dread the day I lose him,I travel and leave him at home where he is really well looked after by a friend who moves in with him,but every time I leave I dread it might be the last time.my consolation will be perhaps he will be re united with my husband.
It is five years since I lost my husband,,I still miss him every day but in reply to your question,only the people here know just how much and how much I am still affected by his loss.