Ya got offered a pup a while ago mate you could of had it up and ready for the season with ya stinkers,don’t take this the wrong way as the wife’s father is in the same boat as you.we lost her mother to cancer and he has been on a downer ever since (5)yrs now.He has never fancied a dog until 5mths ago as he has realised he needs a kick up the arse as they had done everything together,he ended up wanting a English bull terrier which shocked me as that’s always been my retirement dog as I think they are stunning.Anyway he got 1 for £2000 as loved getting out just like you have realised mate.It d