I'm very much in the same boat.

My dogs were/are mates more so than working dogs, even though they are/were gundogs.

My first mate was a Hungarian Vizsla called Kiwi. I had no choice in the name, as he was a mature dog when I got him.
He was Australian champion for his breed and retired when the breeder separated from her husband. She moved into town and needed to rehouse some of her dogs. When I went out to meet them, this guy sat on my foot and leant on my leg. When I asked her which one was Kiwi, she pointed to the foot sitter.
Unfortunately he passed away at a much too young an age. He was 7 1/2yr old. I got home from work and he had passed.

After a month or so I had to get another mate. Not as a replacement, but another good friend.

I spoke to the local breeder of English Pointers who had two males that needed to be rehoused. One was her show dog who was also a retired Australian Champion, but he was very aloof. Actually aloof is not the word, standoffish is probably a better term.
The breeder said that he will cosy to me in a week or two, but will be like this with most people. I thought I'm pretty much a hermit now, If I get a pooch that doesn't like people I may as well live in a cave in the hills.
She then introduced me to Jasper. He needed to be rehoused after the previous owners could no longer look after him. We put on a lead and went for a walk. When we stopped he sat and leant against my leg. When I rubbed his ear, he lifted his head back and almost purred. I though "you'll do me". And he has become a bloody great tart. But still scary barks when people are at the door.
The first is him after an hour at home. He was a little anxious at first, but then went plop on the lounge and that has been his bed ever since.
The two others show him making himself tart comfortable on me on the lounge. Good hot water bottle.
The youtube link is a video that shows him purring like a cat. I rub his ears sometimes with my feet and a while ago did this. Droops head, crosses eyes and purrs.

http://youtu.be/ypxnTkEJGTo

They really are man best friend

.