I've been haunting AdopTaPet.com for almost a year.   I've gone through looking at one breed after another, from my previous Shar-Pei/Staffordshire cross to my current Golden Retriever.   Being over 55, Humane Society shelters often offer adoption of dogs 8 & over for $55.  And a month "warranty" in case the two of you don't work out.   

Unfortunately, I'm still only looking  because I will be back in Texas for at least 2 weeks later this year.  I simply could not be away from an adopted dog so long in the first year.   There will be time enough after I get home. 

I've thought about your question about introducing a new dog.    Here's my observations and thoughts on it..... 

A dog as old as 11 is getting elderly - they are (usually) slower, calmer, set in their ways...  A pup or young dog can hound the older dog with its relentless needs for playtime.  

If you take your dog to doggie daycare and tell them you'd like to see how your dog would react to young dogs coming into the household.   They should be able to report their impressions. 

My mother's poodle, tho active outdoors, was miserable while indoors with the pup - trying to hide from being romped on and continually woken.  Once the pup grew up and settled down, it was better. 

A dog of full adult years, of 5 or more, could potentially work... 

However, I would not bring in another dog until after your eldest dog is passed.   In the meantime, I'd consider taking him to daycare (or to a friend's with a dog, for socializing once a week or so.   You'll be able to see how he does with others and how ctive, how dominant or submissive a dog he does best with. 

Another thing - it is best to match dominants with submissives, to ensure a minimum of conflict, a peaceful pecking order.   Females with males, too.  Two of the same sex will feel competition and have conflict, rather than develop a close companionship. 

Good luck.. 

Teri 

100% fact, horrible, you got it:)

Without seeing any other responses to this: because it's always so damn hot and humid in Houston that being outside is horribly uncomfortable and borderline dangerous much of the time.

I don't really follow the serial killer stories, but I just wanna say that when John Lithgow played the bad guy in "Dexter" that was probably one of the freakiest things EVER.

I remember the whole yellow houses thing!  WTF was up with yellow houses??!!!  I remember my parents visiting Monrovia to see my aunt one day and I was scared as **** to be in that area.  WTF where my parents thinking?!?!  I don't remember if he targeted Monrovia specifically but I was about 25 miles north of my house then.  I was scared ****less!