Can a dog really die of loneliness?

I hate thinking about this, but I wanted to seek advice from anyone who has lots of pet experience. I have two dogs, brothers, they are dachshund mixes. Well they are both about 4 years old, and i adopted them together from a pound (they had been found running on the streets together) they are inseparable. one of them, bean, does love being around people and just sitting in my lap seeking affection, but really he loves his brother more than any of us. again, they do everything together and if we even put them in separate room theyll start howling or whimpering and scratching at the door. point it, i know eventually theyll p away of course, hopefully in the far far away future, and i have no idea how the other will cope. can a dog really die of lonliness? ive heard terrible stories of dogs that are thrown into depression when their "best friend" dies. i just hope they both p away at the same time, but thats not likely. has anyone had two dogs, and witnessed what happens? thank you. my dogs are both happy and in good health by the way they are wagging their tails all over the place and begging me for food right now :) no ones on their death bed quite yet, thank goodness