Thank you all so much for your thoughtful replies and advice! It's really nice to see how much you care for your (and others') dogs. After reading all of your responses (several times), I know that having a dog could be really wonderful. I would love to give a dog a good home, and of course, dogs love you no matter what (within reason of course).

My SO is very supportive of the dog idea. We do not live together. If that were to change eventually, the dog would be one of several issues that we would have to work out.

Still no decision, although I'm leaning towards "not yet." The new dog park is having a grand opening this morning and the SPCA will be there with adoptable dogs. Who knows if the same dog will be there, but she might be.

The reasons I'm leaning toward "not yet" are varied. The most immediate reason is that I'll be moving into my new house next week and then the kitchen renovation starts. It's hard enough (for me AND for the dog) to move into new surroundings, and then to have power tools and walls knocked out...well, that kind of commotion is not conducive to settling into a new house. I'm choosing to go through that and will be fine, but it wouldn't be a very smooth start for the dog. When the kitchen is done, I'll revisit the situation and restart the search. Thanks for reminding me that there will be plenty of other dogs if this is not the right time.

Of course, if that dog is at the dog park today and makes a beeline for me, I might change my mind...