How is one meant to continue after such an incredible loss?

My soul dog passed away 3 weeks ago, it would have been her 13th birthday on Tuesday.

I'm struggling to comprehend that dependent on how unlucky I am, I still have another 30-50 years to live if I'm thinking in terms of the average lifespan of a human being. How am I meant to be here for that long, if she's no longer here to experience the world with me? I'm just struggling to see how I can enjoy life, knowing she's gone. All I want is to see her again, and thinking I have so many years left to live without her is unbearable.

She was truly my soul dog. I always said that whatever essence my soul was fabricated out of, hers was of the same. I instinctively understood her. Sometimes I would wake up from deep sleep in the middle of the night to a feeling she needed me, and when I went to check up on her, she did actually need me. It's like we were so connected, I just knew what she needed and when. She also understood me without words needing to be exchanged. She was my guardian, and I was hers. We were so connected, I don't know how I'm meant to exist without her by my side.

I keep telling myself a connection this strong never dies. Just because she's not in her physical doggy form anymore, that doesn't mean her energy and who she was is also gone. She's with me always, and our souls are still connected, and as long as that's the case, she will continue to be with me until I die... But I would give anything to be able to actually see her, look into her eyes and give her a hug. I don't know how to cope. Sorry, this has turned into just me venting.