YAY! How exciting!
Don't at all feel bad, both you (and Barkley) are well aware of the fact that he will never be replaced. But a new pup sure helps deal with the sorrow, and fills that empty spot!
We got Kate only a month and a half after Slater passed away. She did not at all replace him, and she is nothing like him in character (which we love). How lucky are we to have the love of two totally different dogs in our lives? SUPER LUCKY!!!
I'm sure Barkley will be there with you to pick out your new pup - Slater led us right to Kate and we never thought about it twice!
I'm sooooooooo happy for you!