In my opinion no other animal can take the place of the one we have loved and lost. However, the loss frees up a space and then the 'new' one makes its own place.

After I lost the last one I thought that perhaps I didn't need another, I really hated the thought of ever going through such grief again. I must not have been serious though, because I found myself checking the local Humane Society offerings online daily and
"accidentally' stopping in from time to time. Within a month I had my new dog; I love him dearly.