First, I am so sorry for your loss and your frustration at trying to find another companion.
Second, I am sorry that your plea has turned this thread into a debate instead of comforting you.
Third, If you are willing to drive some to get a good dog, I would keep a watch in papers of nearby towns for someone with a pet that they are trying to find a home for.
Examples: (NOT saying I agree with all these examples, just saying these things happen.)
Our elderly neighbors found out that the wife had cancer and she started going down hill and fast. She died, their daughter moved him 6 hours away to a senior home where he could not bring their pets.
Someone else I knew purchased a pure bred Yorkie when they got married. She got pregnant and had to stay in bed. The dog didn't get potty trained before this and even though it broke her heart, they re-homed the puppy because they didn't feel like they could deal with the dog. (Sure wish I could have gotten that dog!)
I have heard of other people that purchased Yorkies and gave up on them in the first year or two when they could not potty train them. (They didn't have the support of YorkieTalk
)
People move into apartments that won't allow pets and on and on and on. I hope that you will find a dog that needs a new home and will be less expensive for you.
I WOULD require that they give you the number of their vet and sign a release for the records to be transferred to your vet. This will allow you to have your vet examine the records and then your vet can tell you if there are any health issues he/she is concerned about. It also lets you know the dog has been cared for and is not stolen.
