Grieving dog

[AHP84]

Since Eric died last week, my other dog, Blackie, is grieving for him. I knew she would; we both are. But I'm wondering what I can do to help her grieving process.
When I'm at home, I make sure I spend lots of time with her. I groomed and bathed her and let her in the house now, which she enjoys (Eric did NOT like being in the house--he was an outdoor dog and was certain to make that clear to everyone. He never willingly came inside, even on cold nights last winter). She was always with Eric before as his companion. They were definitely the best of friends and she was sensitive to his condition, and she was also a bit protective over him.
I bring her with me places when I'm able to, like Petsmart. I want to make sure she doesn't feel left out or forgotten since Eric is gone. She loves being a part of the house life now.
But I can tell she really misses Eric. She sleeps on his bed in the kitchen at night and lays in his spot on the back porch. She doesn't seem happy anymore either. She always looks glum, even if she's wagging her tail.
I expected her to grieve for him, but I wonder if there's something more I can do. I work all day and I'm not home, so she's there by herself without her best buddy each day, except for the weekends.
I'm still in too much grief to consider getting another dog right now, but is that something I should do for her? I really don't feel like I'm ready to welcome another dog into our family because Eric's death is still such a fresh wound for me. But I also want to do what's best for Blackie so she won't feel so lonely. I wish I could bring her to work with me, but even if I could do that, I don't think that would make her much happier.
Is this something that will take as much time to pass for her as it will for me, or would another dog be the best thing for her since dogs are a pack animal?

[chihuahuagrandma]

It took my dog's grieving over the loss of her buddy about 2 months...things got better..initially at the front, my dog, whaled and cried in a sound I have never heard before or after, but in about 2 months shes settled down...got new puppy and shes not interested at all either intially, took about 6 months until she could become tolerable w/the pup, plus pup more mature...
Sorry its a process for
All" with grieving...nurturing and love just continue, time heals wounds, each individual and pet are different...

[AHP84]

Lol, I needed that butt-sniffing comment for a laugh today! :-)
I'll keep that idea in mind--letting her be a part of the choice in getting a new dog, when I feel we're both more ready.
I think I'll really start considering it within the next month. Right now though, getting through this first week without Eric's presence has been so empty. I know Blackie and I really miss him.

[Jaybay]

Aw AJ.  You're in the exact same boat that I was in when our Chica Pet died in early January.  Maggie, our 5 year old, was left behind and we were all in mourning.  Maggie behaved the same way as your Blackie.  Because Hubby had already applied with a Dalmation rescue organization weeks before Chica's death, we took Maggie to do a "meet and greet" with some Dals. We really had no intention of adopting another dog so soon, but Maggie told us otherwise.  Less than 3 weeks after Chica's death, we adopted Doc Holliday.  

Was I ready?  Not really.  But Maggie was.  She and Doc get on like a house on fire and seeing the both of them so happy helped me and Hubby through our grieving process.  

You might try taking Blackie around to visit potential adoptees and see how she does.  Let her be the one to make the choice.  Doc was the 6th, and final dog we introduced her to, and the only one she took an interest in.  Lots of butt-sniffing activities going on with those two!  :-)