Dear dianehd,
I am so sorry you lost Nicky!
Trite as it sounds, time is the great healer. I think it helps if you talk with others who knew Nicky. You could reminisce about the good times. What a great dog he was. But choose people who can handle it if you suddenly start to cry. Men, unfortunately, are rarely good for this because their instinct is to stop you from crying -- and crying helps!
My PERSONAL experience has been that getting another dog helps. No, it will never fill the void that Nicky leaves, but it seems to soften the edges and let you remember the happiness of his being. It also makes sure you don't have as much time to miss Nicky!
When you can, write and tell us some of the things you remember about Nicky. The tears may roll down your face, but I bet you find a few smiles inside you also.
kjd