Ken,
Nobody can improve much on what Grinch said and said well!
I will only add that you've been down this path with Gertrude and you know that you will come thru this!
As Larry said, their memories will start to fill in the edges of the dark hole. Those pups worked hard to make life better, they'd want that to be how it is with you and the Mrs. in their absence.
Hang in there and keep the Son in your eyes, bro.
Peace...