TB, you KNOW it's never quite the same when you're not around, but we're happy to wait. Rest up...retool...restore those natural supplies of p*ss and vinegar, and jump back in when you're back up to form. We're all pulling for you.
Condolences on your furry buddy. That's kind of the way my 17 yr old dachsi went: wandering around happily in the yard, laid down in a nice sunny patch of grass for a nap, and off to pup heaven. It always hurts to lose 'em, but that's not a bad way to check out after a long and much-loved life.
You're definitely in our thoughts. Wishing you a speedy recovery!