I still cry over my dog, even though she died a year ago, is this normal?

It is normal. Don't worry about the collar. Your lovely little girl, Milly, will ALWAYS BE WITH YOU. She loves you more than you'll ever know! She is watching down on you and she doesn't want you to be unhappy. She thinks about you too sometimes, but she has renewed health and new friends, but she is waiting for you at the RAINBOW BRIDGE. If your not familiar with Rainbow Bridge, read it and you'll see what I am talking about. You and her WILL BE REUNITED. Firmly believe it with all your heart. It is not the collar that is important it is the happy times your enjoyed that you'll always remember. Try not to dwell on the unhappiness and remember all the good time, as more and more time goes on, you'll mostly only remember the good times. Don't be hard on yourself. It is normal to grieve the loss of your favorite pet that you literally grew up with. Your life is changing now with a beau and all so get busy with your life and try as best as you can to "let go". It will come and go, but she wouldn't want you to be unhappy. I know, I promise. Take care of yourself. Your a very sweet person.