Skip,
Sorry to hear about the passing of Buster. I have had dogs of one breed or another all my life, not sure that people who never have them get the full life experience! But man can you get attached and quickly! I think the one I was most attached to was a bulldog mix named Pancake, got her as a 8 week old puppy when I was about 20 years old. She too had her life shortened to about 4 years, her demise was breast cancer...tough loss that I still remember all these years later. We now have three dogs, two Cairns and a blue heeler, and we know that some day they too will pass on, so we just have to provide them the best life we can for as long as we can. I am sure you will find another buddy to give you some comfort.

CS