I too am sorry for your loss. I got a dog about a year and a half ago after going several years without one. I went through similar painful experiences as posted.
With that said, I would like to share a couple of funny things my fur friend, a 1 1/2 y.o. Siberian Husky affectionately named MR. Nibbles
At six mo., keeping a decent pair of sox was about impossible. MR. Nibbs was sitting in the living room squirming around when I noticed one of my socks hanging out of his asshole. I escorted him outside to try and run it out of him. We are close, but close enough for me to pull it out

After a few laps in the yard he pushed it out
That was not the end of it, a few days later I was mowing and went over that sock and shot it onto the neighbors fence
Not to be out done, a few months later, my GF was staying over. Mr. Nibbles found a tampon in the trash and brought it into the living room where a game of take away started, it was a horror scene for her and funny as hell for me
PB
I'm sorry I just had to respond to this. That is some funny shit, I'm still here laughing my as off. I lost at the game of take away started. God love these animals for the laughter and joy they all bring.