My husband and I have adopted a 4-year old Great Dane. Having something positive to focus on helps to lessen our grief... my Skookie left quite a void, but somehow Tucker manages to get smiles out of us, in spite of our loss. Tucker has spent the last two nights sleeping with me on my bed. It has really helped.
I am so sorry you lost Skookie, he was so young. I know how much it hurts to lose a beloved dog.
It is a tribute to Skookie and the profound joy he brought to your life, that you are willing to open your heart again to another dog. I'm sure he's looking down on you tonight, and saying -well done, Mom & Dad.
I'm so sorry to hear about your Skooks. We all go into dog ownership knowing there is a limited amount of time, but that never makes it any easier when they leave us, young or old. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.