We got a female Lab puppy that immediately became crazy about our big furry rescue mix boy...every night he would put himself in a circle of his treasured toys ( he had none until he came here at about age 8) and the puppy would slooooowly roll, crawl, and stretch until one was ("suddenly!" ) in reach, and they would be Off! Repeat until they both needed a nap, for months & months.
The big boy passed away very unexpectedly & quickly.
3 nights later, I walk into the living room and there was the (not-so puppy anymore), centered in a circle of those toys, with Such an expectant look on her face ("If this doesn't bring him, nothing will!" ).
I burst into tears.
She never did that behavior again.
Have had many such experiences with dogs......