helping my other dog deal

Hi.
   
I have 2 mixed breed dogs. One is a male lab cross. Bailey is 13 years old. The other is a female golden cross. Beattle is 12.
   
I adopted both of them from Animal Control 10 years ago. Needless to say, they are good buddies and have always gotten along well. Bailey is a little high strung and had a more dependent personality. Beattle is more laid back and is about as sweet and loyal as a dog can be. They are both great dogs. Beattle is very energetic, but it is a happy, positive energy that has had a very calming influence on my little male that tends to worry about things.
   
Beattle has been diagnosed with a malignant melinoma on her lip. Her prognosis is not good at all. She is not symptomatic yet, so I am doing my best to insure that she enjoys her time that she has left.
   
I don't want to dwell on the day that we have to say goodbye. Frankly it makes me break down, but I do have to prepare. I am worried about Bailey and am wondering how I can best prepare him for the day that his long time buddy is no longer with us. Do you have any suggestions?
   
Thanks.

Our two dogs were only together for 4 months, but they were the best of buddies until my 10 yr old dog, Bailey, died while we were at work last Sunday.
   
Strangely enough, Hobo, who is 2 yrs old, came up to me while I was on the floor, saying goodbye. He gave Bailey a small lick...sat down and then started making a sound, with his tongue, like he had peanut butter on the roof of his mouth. Neither my wife nor I had seen him do this before...or since. Was that his way of saying goodbye?
   
That night he acted almost normal...he showed some nervous behavior when we came home and did a little searching after I buried Bailey, but for the most part...normal.
   
I think the extra attention we have now given to Hobo is not only helping us cope...but it's keeping his mind off of the "where's my buddy" behavior.
   
How would you feel about introducing another dog into the family before you are down to 1 dog? That way, Beattle, would have another to focus his energies on. That's probably the way I would do it if I knew there was limited time...but it would also depend on my situation too.
   
Wow did I write a novel or what? lol. Sorry for getting so "wordy"

Thanks for sharing your experience. I am going to talk to my vet this week. I had considered introducing a new dog before my terminal dog gets sick, but I am worried about stressing her if things don't go well. They have had other dogs come to stay with us while friend are out of town and they always handle that well.
   
.