Summarize this article:

One of the toughest things for people to understand after losing a dog is that a new dog is not, and should not be looked at, as a replacement for your old dog.  Nothing will every replace your old dog.  Your new dog will have a different personality and quirks, and you will need to build a whole new relationship with it. It can help to get a different breed or a different sex when selecting a new dog.  This can help you not to make comparisons between your old dog and new dog. Depending on how long you had your previous dog, your living situation might have changed significantly since you first got it.  When deciding what type of dog to get, consider your new situation.  This can affect such things as whether you want a big dog or little one, a puppy or a mature dog, or a long-haired or short-haired one.  Ask yourself some of the following questions to help you decide which type of dog will best suit your new needs and lifestyle:  Are you living in an apartment or a home with a backyard? If you work full-time, is there anyone who can help you with training your new dog? What type of climate do you live in? How much time and energy are you willing and able to put into taking care of a new dog? Your health may have changed since you adopted your last dog as well.  You must also take this into consideration when you’re trying to figure out what kind of dog to get.  Larger breeds will need more physical activity than smaller breeds.  Different breeds have different energy levels as well.  Choose a dog that will be compatible with your current abilities. Taking into consideration your current situation, list all the qualities you want in your new dog, starting with the most important at the top.  This will make it easier to focus on the qualities that are most important when you’re picking out your new dog.
Understand your new dog is not a replacement. Think about your current living situation. Evaluate your physical capabilities. Make a list of qualities you want in a dog.