Have you considered adopting a dog? Get a big one. Golden Retrievers are great!
My daughter actually gave us a cat when her work transferred her to Japan. Miss Kitteth loved my wife and tolerates me. But she is a great companion when watching TV at the end of the day. We both shared a love for a special lady who is no longer in our lives.
BEST dog breed EVER!! A Golden Lab would be the best friend EVER!!