Interesting replies... I'll think on these are come back later--it's too early and I'm so very tired now.
I can say clearly butterfly that I do not want another buddy. I have five equine and a feline in the barn who are buddies enough for me. Being covered in horse hair doesn't phase me, but dog hair in the house does not make me happy--so IF we ever get another dog--even after Shimano's time is up--it must be a nonshedder.