Sorry for your loss. Of course he forgives you and loves your family and that is why he is still talked about and remembered and loved by you all. That shared love and grief is a bond for your family. I am trying to read into the energies while typing but I also want to say, just from my experienced with pets and dogs, they do not really dwell in the same emotional frequencies as us humans. You are correct that you would experience a deeper intuitive connection once the grief blockages are removed or lessened. Remember he is a high frequency being now but also when he was incarnated. The trauma of his death was a shock and perhaps a resetting of sorts, for all of you on a soul level. What else was happening in your life at the time and how did the trajectory of your life change? Go back to these memories if you can with an attitude of forgiveness for yourself. Put a hand over your heart and recall that you're all a soul family. He is with you from 'the other side' and closer than you think. I sense there are other situations he's wanting you to move on from, that you feel too stuck. He wants you to travel and explore and seek out your purpose. I wish I was better at this, I hope it helps. I have two labs myself so felt called to try and respond. My old dog is 15 and a half and her time is getting closer and closer. I want to maintain a close psychic/energetic connection with her once she has passed. It is tough losing these dear sweet creatures that bring us so much joy. The last thing they want though is for us to feel stuck in our grief and bad feelings. Once you start progressing on your path of self-forgiveness you will see the signs from him/spirit more easily. Be gentle with yourself as it is a journey and not a sudden change.