I really liked your "Ode to Cyberhound". I know what you mean about having a hole left in your heart after losing Lucy. When we lost Bubba to cancer in December 2005 we were devistated. He had been our fur kid and traveling companion for 6 years. When we notified the breeder,that we had lost him, she told us she had his nephew who was 10 months old, and would we like to have him. Bubba and Bogie's mom were from the same litter, and Bogie was from her last litter. This was only two weeks after losing Bubba and at first we said NO! We just couldn't have another one so soon.
We called back the next day, realizing fate had stepped in, and headed out to pick up Bogie. It was the best thing we ever did. Bogie helped heal that hole, but Bubba will forever be special, in our hearts, and never forgotten.
You will know when the time is right for you to have another Basset.