Unless people have had a puppy before and know what to expect I would not recommend getting a puppy as an older adult. Puppies are full of energy, need a lot of exercise and bite everybody and everything while they are teething. They require an abundance of patience.

yep, BEST site for finding that right companion :coolsmiley:

rescue
 

call karly, polk county, fl shelter deputy sheriff, she will help you find the a perfect dog for you like she did for me, john skalet, siesta key

Be sure to match your dog breed and age choice with your abilities. Last winter I took care of a 12 pound papillon and a 35 pound shelty for three months. They were wonderful dogs, but every day they begged to go to the Springdale dog park on Belle Meade that has wonderful shady off-leash sand roads. (I call it Squirrel World because it has so many squirrels.) There they chased squirrels and ran for two miles while I walked fast to keep up. But I know other shelties that barely walk, much less run. Some 12-15 pound dogs love running, while other breeds barely toddle. If you can’t walk that fast or that far, get a breed or age that suits your speed. Some are lap dogs that hate exercise.

Also—dare I mention this without giving offense?—there are lists that rate dog breed intelligence. Some breeds, such as poodles, papillons, and shelties, are among the most intelligent, but they are also more likely to get bored around the house. Other little breeds are so dumb that they look like they just awoke from general anesthesia as they toddle around. Granted, that’s part of why they are cute, but if you want a dog that will chase squirrels and go for fast walks with you, don’t get one of those. Some dogs are beautiful and intelligent, but can’t run for two miles—for example, dachshunds. If you want a companion for a fast walk, don’t get one. If you want a really slow stroll with lots of stops, maybe.

Also, there are different levels of housebroken. My papillon was a delightful dog, but if it got yelled at it might lose bladder control, and it decided that some areas of my carpet were irresistible places to pee. In three months it destroyed my carpet. The pee somehow dissolved the carpet pad. Other dogs never do that. Yet when I got it I was told it was fully housebroken. If that happens in your home, can you get down on your hands and knees and clean it up?

Dog
 

I have a nice Snoopy dog you might like. He's all those qualities you mentioned and you don't have to pick up his poop. The only drawback is that he's a stuffed animal.

Dog rescue
 

The Recreation Department in conjunction with the YOUR Humane Society SPCA will be hosting local pet information and adoptions days the 3rd Friday of each month at various recreation center pavilions. Please call Paradise Recreation Center at 352-753-0637 for specific dates & locations.

Shelters all have on line applications. You can also call for an appointment or try going in to visit and meet and greet. The house broken is difficult to confirm. The dogs are not in an environment that leads to this but better luck with bit older dogs.
I would physically make the rounds of the larger 3-4 surrounding shelters

Humane Society of Lake County Event Sunday
 

Thank you SO much for wanting to adopt a pup! Rescues are the best!!

Humane Society of Lake County is having an event this Sunday, and they will have dogs there that need homes. It's from 11-4pm at Ferran Park in Eustis.

You can also go to petfinder.com and look at pups in the area as a lot of shelters and rescues post available pups on that website.
Urgent Need for Pet Adoption - Find Dogs & Cats & More | Petfinder

Pet Alliance of Orlando, the one that burned down last month, they moved their pets to the Sanford location.
Adopt a Pet at the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando

― Rescue Me! ― Adopt Dogs, Cats and More ―

I'm involved with a breed specific rescue. Rescue organizations that are able to take the time to learn about the individual dog and their needs will be the most successful in finding you a good match. Their focus is on making successful matches the first time.

The dog may be larger than you first thought you might like. There really isn't much difference between a 15 pound dog and a 25 pound dog. But, there can be a huge difference in temperment. So, don't discriminate on size. You want a good friend match.

Find a good rescue organization, get approved for their adoption system and then wait for your friend to appear. It may take a little time. But, it will happen. Until then, you could volunteer to be a foster family. Foster families are always needed. Be warned that foster failures are common and you may end up with an unexpected new friend.

Check out Petfinders on the internet. All dogs are rescues.
 

All the dogs are rescues.

I recommend greyhounds.
Olympic class sleepers.
18-20 hours a day!