tritium I'm sorry to hear about your loss.
When it comes to getting a new dog, I'm partial to German Shepherds! I LOVE those dogs...my old roommate had one and now I miss her like she was a member of the family. They tend to be intelligent and active but usually aren't *too* much of a handful.
Recently I had a chance to get a perfectly trained 2yr old female, for free, but unfortunately I had to turn down the opportunity since I realized that I just don't have the time and space for her yet. One of the trainers in town (who's reputed to be one of the best on the east coast) is a member of a German Shepherd rescue organization and took her in and trained her, and just wanted to find a good home for her. Sadly I can't provide the best home, yet...my life is too busy right now.
But I would recommend perhaps looking for something similar -- look around at the dog schools in your area and see if anybody is looking for a home for a rescued dog. I think a majority of trainers are members of these rescue organizations and are often trying to find good homes for dogs. It doesn't have to be a German Shepherd, but that's what I'd get
Good luck!!