When we lost our last cocker, Sophie, I felt the same as your OH, that getting another cocker was as if we were just replacing Sophie, but my OH was adament we must get another and when we got Ellie I realised that the only thing that can go anywhere near to help to take the terrible pain away of losing a beloved pet is to let another one into your heart. When I said that I could never love another dog as much as I loved Sophie, a friend said 'yes you can, you just love them differently', and it is so true.
When you feel ready to let another rescue cocker into your life, it will be a very lucky cocker.
Thinking of you and hurting for you.