Reliable place to get a puppy?? (Austin: new home, homeless, special needs)

[readymade]

I'll be completely honest here: I went to a very reputable breeder for my dog. I, too, had a specific breed of dog that I wanted (Border Terrier, for a myriad of reasons) and couldn't find one to rescue.

I love my dog to death. She is my baby and perfect and I will never regret getting her; HOWEVER, I feel horribly horribly guilty at paying for a dog instead of rescuing one. So many need homes and each one is special. I am generally a very honest person, but I actually lied to a good friend about rescuing my dog because I was too ashamed to admit getting her from a breeder. (this was after he went on and on about how people who got dogs from a breeder should be shot, having no idea I was one of the people he wanted to shoot. I wanted to die.)

Maybe you won't feel guilty about it. But I sure did/do. I will never NEVER go with a breeder again if/when I get another dog.

[jwb123]

This guy is only 2, lots of life and love left! Probably trained and housebroken.
Bassett Hound Mix, red/white, at shelter (http://austin.craigslist.org/pet/663884488.html - broken link)

[pvaustin]

Thanks a ton folks. That was lot of useful information. I'll definitely consider adoption too.

[twange]

Originally Posted by readymade

I'll be completely honest here: I went to a very reputable breeder for my dog. I, too, had a specific breed of dog that I wanted (Border Terrier, for a myriad of reasons) and couldn't find one to rescue.

I love my dog to death. She is my baby and perfect and I will never regret getting her; HOWEVER, I feel horribly horribly guilty at paying for a dog instead of rescuing one. So many need homes and each one is special. I am generally a very honest person, but I actually lied to a good friend about rescuing my dog because I was too ashamed to admit getting her from a breeder. (this was after he went on and on about how people who got dogs from a breeder should be shot, having no idea I was one of the people he wanted to shoot. I wanted to die.)

Maybe you won't feel guilty about it. But I sure did/do. I will never NEVER go with a breeder again if/when I get another dog.

Very nice comments.

Before we got our dog, I was absolutely set (and obsessed) with getting a German Short-Haired Pointer. I love outdoorsy-type dogs like the hunting and herding breeds, as I'm an avid hiker and love experiencing the outdoors with a hound. Well, one day I made the mistake of going to a local shelter just to "visit" the animals...we came home with a cute little black and white Beagle/Border Collie mix(we think), who has been the most wonderful dog!(I know, everyone thinks their dog is the best) The total cost was $50 plus the cost of spaying that we had to agree on when taking her home. Of course that was before she got hit by a car at 5 months old and required $2,000 worth of medical attention...we would gladly pay that 5 times over for this dog I love all types of dogs but I suppose I'm fond of the flaws and inconsistencies of mutts. They remind me of myself, so it's a good fit

[shaxs]

I too say adopt from a rescue or shelter. I would recommend a rescue over a shelter only because they usually know the dog's temperament and ailments better than a shelter. I adopted both my dogs: one from a shelter and one from a family going through a divorce. One was a pure bred, originally $1200, mini Australian Shepherd. My wife and I love them too death.

I would recommend that you get pet insurance so in case they are hit by a car, like above, or something else, the financial burden is not quite so bad. I pay $36/ month per dog and have already recouped that in vet reimbursements. I use VPI insurance.

Here are my two "kids".

[McDavis]

Blue Dog Rescue is run by some mighty fine folks...

Blue Dog Rescue

[TrishaJ]

I've been in involved with animal shelters and rescue groups in various parts of the USA for more then 14 years. I can honestly say the best dogs I have ever been around, fostered, or made a part of my family have all come from shelters or a rescue.

....But if you're dead set on a pure breed, espcially that one (I hope you have some cash saved for the medical bills) check a rescue first, sometime they do have puppies.

[Megan1967]

I only listed the breed club sites because it sounded like you wanted to go through a breeder, but I agree rescue is a great way to go. I got my Monty from the Midwest Corgi rescue (Lakeshore Pembroke Welsh Corgi Rescue, Inc) and he is the BEST dog in the world - sweet and mannerly, but also a complete goof ball.

I worked in cat rescue for 6-7 years (plus a couple of years transporting dogs for corgi rescue and now I do their web site) and am a firm supporter of rescue, but I think people should not be condemned if they want a particular breed of dog and they want to know that the parents have had health checks and that they received proper socialization as puppies. You can't guarantee that with a rescue. You can't guarantee it with a breeder either unless you do your homework. It can take a couple of years to become familiar with the "good" breeders.

I guess I'm a little hypocritical, however, in that I'm not as supportive of cat breeders. I guess it is because I feel that cats tend to be fairly perfect and already come in every shape, color and temperament without any "assistance" from people. Not that I'm prejudice....

[AK123]

I agree - shop at a shelter or check with rescue organizations.

[jread]

All of our animals have come from shelters or rescues, and they are the greatest pets I've ever had. There are so many animals needing homes out there that I could never bring myself to buy from a store or a breeder.