Pepper, I think this dog was meant to be for you- everything is just RIGHT about him! I am glad to hear your boyfriend is coming around too.

About your cats: I have two cats, and adopted a dog in July. She is a B. Collie/Lab mix, and had never been around cats before. When I brought her home and she saw the cats, she thought they were 'dinner'. It took quite awhile (about 2 months or so) for it to work out. Now they are buddies. Just take it very slow!
Keep them separated and work up to it. Even when we stopped separating them, my dog walked around with a leash on for a long time.
Good Luck and keep us posted.