Thank you for that fascinating bit of history, had it not been for you, I doubt I would have ever learned it.
My minpin is 11, and getting senile (seriously, the vet said she was) I don’t know if I should get another dog at my age, the mastiff really suffered when my husband died. All the dogs we’ve owned have been adult rescues, until these two, which we got both from very reputable breeders. The mastiff is 5, now, and while I might live long enough to take in another after this one, I doubt my heart could take it. They are the best of the best.
There is a huge need for adoptive homes that will take on a senior dog. You would not believe the number of old dogs that come into rescues. I suppose it happens because many people don't want to deal with the death of a pet, so they rationalize putting it "in another home" so they don't personally experience the grief when it dies, much less have to make that agonizing decision of when to put it to sleep.
If you decide to get another dog, consider one of these old ones. They have so much love to give, and of course don't understand what they did to make their family go away. And, you don't have to worry so much they'll outlive you.
BTW, I recommend the Boston Terrier often to people seeking my advice on what purebred dog to get. They're marvelous little dogs with merry temperaments, they are short haired, clean, and are just big enough to be great children's pets. In addition, they are incredibly popular with older people. Of course, they do have shortcomings. Being shorter faced, they snore, they need to be protected from high temperatures and they can have, er, problems with gas.