Hi John,
Very sorry to hear of your loss. Ben will live on for quite a while in your heart.
2 years ago, give or take a day or two, I cried my eyes out when we had to put Max, our Border Collie Cross, to sleep. I still miss him. Within a week I could no longer stand the quiet so off we went and found Zebedee, another collie cross, and then a year ago, we added Mopsey, another collie ........ I think that is enough
All our dogs come from rescue centres. I love em to bits. Max only lasted till he was 10, and though I wish it had been longer, his time though shorter than hoped for, was filled with happiness. So I keep the memory and we plod on with our latest 2 additions in the knowledge they giving us as much enjoyment as we are giving to them.
Being a confessed Border Collie addict, I am happy to share my addiction .... my sister has spaniels, and she just bought another only to find it really does have a personality disorder! Having said that, it more to do with taking the dog away from its mother far too early and nothing to do with the breed. Whatever dog you choose to get, it will receive love and attention, and you will receive the same.
I wish you well in your quest to fill the space left behind. You'll never forget Ben, so don't delay, go off and take a look round your local rescue centre, you won't regret the visit, no doubt Ben will guide you .....
Best Wishes,
Stewart