Hi, thanks for your replies, it's nice to know people are looking out for me. I am willing to travel to find the right dog. I have a car & Bess is quite used to travelling so I would be able to bring her with me. The main criteria is that Bess gets on with the new doggy, I would hate to upset her in any way, I just think she would be better with a companion (as long as its the right one). However, I do work full time, so I would only be able to travel at weekends. I live in Leicestershire, so pretty much central.
I have contacted Leicestershire Cocker Rescue, a lady called Carol West. She suggested I call back after the Christmas period so I'll call her again next week. When I spoke to her I suggested that I would be willing to foster. This was a new idea to her. She said that usually a dog in need of rehoming fast would be placed in kennels. She agreed with me that this was not ideal for a pet who is used to living in a home & she gave the impression that she was willing to consider me as a foster carer as well as a potential adopter.