My wife and I had Henna, a chocolate Lab, for 14 years.
After she passed, we waited for 2.5 years, all the time saying NO MORE DOGS because it's just too hard on us.
We decided in Spring of 2011 to get another dog, and decided if we were going to do this we had to down-size... a Lab was just too much dog!
We chose the beagle for the appearance, disposition, and size.
Little Jingo has given us so much joy already, she's the sweetest most loving little dog.
Sadly I know what is in the future.
We just try to enjoy all the moments between now and then.