After we lost our Wei nearly 3 years ago, DH and I said we would leave it at least six months before getting another dog.
The Wei was DH's dog so I was surprised I only lasted a couple of weeks before needing to fill the dog shaped hole.
I had never had a dog of my own, so went for an ultra reliable Lab (poss cross) who I was determined to do the best for. I researched classes, food, training, etc etc so that we would end up with a reliable family pet.
DH then decided he missed the challenge of a stubborn dog. So we wait, we research, we contact rescues and finally end up taking home a GSD pup.
Fast forward a year and my bombproof, once soppy Lab worships the ground DH walks on. Meanwhile the GSD who was meant to be DH's dog is my shadow.
They really do choose you, don't they. 
Obviously, this isn't the board to lament my kitten who adores my DS, so I will leave it there...