Animal behaviour scientist recently returned ...

Animal behaviour scientist recently returned from in South Africa with a friendly, quiet, ever-so-gentle female dog. Maisie and I are happy to live anywhere within a few hours of London. Hoping for our own little flat with access to a garden or outdoor space, an enclosed one if we're in a built-up area. Rural locations great but I don't have a car in the UK yet so public transport accessibility would be needed.
I am friendly, considerate and easy-going with a lively sense of humour, but need plenty of time to myself. I'm not a smoker or heavy drinker. Maisie loves people and is fine with dogs and other pets.