I feel for you! I lost my 14 year old pointer 6 months ago and I still grieve. We got her when I was 5 years old, and I hardly remember a time without her. She was 'my' dog, even though she was a family pet.
At least in my case she died in her sleep, and we knew she was going. I can't imagine if it'd been sudden like that.
Great hunter, great pet. I miss her tons.
<img src="http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/512/133star_xmas.jpg">
<img src="http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/512/133star_catch.jpg">