Man, I'm sorry to read this. It makes me fearful of the day my Chocolate Lab passes on.
Here's some pics of my best friend:
He LOVES playing at the beach. You can throw his toy 50 meters out into the ocean and he will swim out to retrieve it, waves and all. He is my protector and my best friend. I have a TBI and PTSD from Iraq. Although not specifically trained as a companion dog, he acts like one. In public places where I get nervous, he walks tight up to my right side and has this intense look on his face as if he's scrutinizing every single person around me. He is a VERY intense dog!
Cooper is 18 months old, weighs in at 92lbs and is the smartest, most loving dog we have ever had. He dwarfs my 5' tall wife when he stands on his rear legs and he is highly protective of her as well.
Knowing/feeling all of this about my Cooper allows me to deeply empathize with you. I am so sorry you have lost your buddy and I can only pray that you will find not a replacement, but a new friend who brings joy into your life the same way Soprano did.