UPDATE:
I did not bring this guy home yesterday. and I apologize to every kind/thoughtful member who posted here, because I am not *emotionally* able to answer questions as to "why".
I am just SO VERY SAD... and also still mourning the best dog we ever had in both our lives (also adopted at 2 yrs old. died at 15). While visiting him, a gut feeling kept gnawing inside me, that it would be unfair to this boxer, he is a real good dog on his own merits, with very very different personality (only looking @each's first-time meeting).
He's not 100% ruled out, but my traveling husband could not be there to meet him with me.
In that particular small town shelter, this stable-minded & well behaved boxer is not in danger of being euthanized anytime soon, if at all. There are dogs there over a year, & him just 1 week. Were he at risk for that, I would've taken him If just perhaps only to a rescue organization.
I guess words are insufficient, I am a wreck.
Thank you all.