The companionship of a good pet is unmatched. Unconditional love coupled with the willingness to overlook the worst is simply unfound elsewhere. I too do not have children, so my wife and I live from every ounce of joy our dogs bring. I had to put my female Yellow Lab down on my birthday a couple of years ago. Simply the worst thing I have ever had to do. I still have this guy "Hunter". I try to make the best of every day we have left. He is 11 now. My thoughts are with you......
A wise man once told me, lock your wife and your dog in the trunk of the car, and then tell me who is happy to see you when you open it!