It continues to baffle me how people can be so bold as to insist that their opinion is correct - especially when their opinion hasn't been solicited. To insist something to a professional in that field is just, well, silly. (Not the word I really want to use, but gotta keep it clean!)

Even with exceptional communication skills, there's no reasoning with some people. You're probably well aware of that from your practice.

While I'm a great fan of rescues, I've come to believe that people should do what's right for their family and that's obviously what you are doing.

You are absolutely right to do what is best for you and your family. I was given the same speech by a coworker when we went to a breeder for our dog. My son has allergies to most dogs and can only tolerate breeds with low/no dander and little shedding so we knew exactly what breed of dog we were looking for. I chose to go to a breeder because: 1. the rules for our local rescues (within a tri state area) were so stringent that we wouldn't have qualified (no other dogs, no cats, no children, etc.) as we have cats and a dog and I have two children 2. we have an older dog with health problems that isn't easy to get along with and we have cats. During our search it became evident that a puppy, not an adult dog, would best fit with our family so we adopted from a breeder. I felt bad after some of the comments I heard and started to wonder if I could have done it differently but then I decided that I did what was best for us, regardless of what others think, and that's that. All of our cats were either adopted from our local shelter or strays that we found. I also give to a local no kill animal shelter so neither of us has anything to feel bad about!

I think that you are making a sound, reasonable, decision and one that certainly offers the best possible assurance. But equally is not absolute with regard to the behavioral outcome of any pup regardless of breeding parents, family socialization post whelp and other positive merits. And I am sure you are not advocating the absolution of such. Kids and dogs are a two way street, even for pups of the most benign beginnings. In your situation I would also place focus on the child with her apparent uncertainty with dogs as you state so that the happy medium is achieved as we all desire. All the best.

I could not have said it better myself. I personally have had very poor experiences and have heard too many negative stories about shelters over the years. I believe there is a need for shelters in this world but I don't believe in the false belief in what it is they really do.

The fact remains that not all people want or are prepared to take on a shelter animal and they should not feel pressured into that decision if it's not right for their family.

There are starving children in the world and people are still having babies. Happy, healthy babies from parents that are aware of their own health risks. Some of those babies are given up for adoption. Some chose not to adopt for their own reasons yet we don't bash them for doing so. It's a personal choice. It's their right.

Make no mistake, shelters run a business. They take in unwanted, unhealthy, stolen or lets call it acquired dogs for free and sell them. Call it adopt or rehome it doesn't' matter. They charge a fee for something they got for free. Breeders also charge a fee for what they raised from birth and cared for. Responsible breeders offer pups from health tested parents and offer them to families with a vet health certificates, vaccinations and warranty. They are also subject to county, state and many times registry inspections...and yet they are the bad guys! Shelters are not legally required to meet the same standards!

You decide! Don't let someone else do it for you! Do you want the new car with the warranty because you can't afford to have it break down or do you want the one down the road that guy is offering for sale, as is?

Will you be there to comfort my child when s/he is bit or hurt by an animal that has not been socialized, has been abused or maybe just scared to be relocated once again. Will you pay my vet expenses or be there to comfort my family when this animal is unhealthy, suffering and needs to be put down?

Business make profits. Show me where the profit is in animal sheltering, and I'll eat my hat.

The mere suggestion that shelters are scooping up "free merchandise" and selling it at no cost to themselves is horribly misinformed and completely offensive.

I've worked in sheltering for ten years. I have poured my time, my emotions and my money into helping those animals that are abandoned, neglected and occasionally abused. I have met wonderful family pets in the shelters I've worked at - yes, even purebreds. Delightful animals who through no fault of their own found themselves dumped at a shelter. Many of these animals have extensive histories provided by their owners.

No shelter is perfect - they all have their challenges. But don't insult the people who put so much of their lives towards helping animals - they don't deserve it.

I would second that..profits?? After all your adopted dog will have gone through vet exam, shots, neutered or spayed - and reconditioned to health in many cases - for a $200-300 adoption fee leaving absolutely no room for profits. That statement is one of ignorance..sorry. One could state that the breeders are more aligned with profiting than any shelter..however there are degrees to both.

Business make profits. Show me where the profit is in animal sheltering, and I'll eat my hat.

The mere suggestion that shelters are scooping up "free merchandise" and selling it at no cost to themselves is horribly misinformed and completely offensive.

I've worked in sheltering for ten years. I have poured my time, my emotions and my money into helping those animals that are abandoned, neglected and occasionally abused. I have met wonderful family pets in the shelters I've worked at - yes, even purebreds. Delightful animals who through no fault of their own found themselves dumped at a shelter. Many of these animals have extensive histories provided by their owners.

No shelter is perfect - they all have their challenges. But don't insult the people who put so much of their lives towards helping animals - they don't deserve it.

Yes, and what you start with is certainly factor. What you end with is dependent and relevant to that AND the associated human aspect of the equation. Good beginnings in conjunction with less than so human component will not always result in a balanced dog. Uncertain beginnings with the same will most certainly result in disaster. Those uncertain shelter dogs in the right care and guidance can and do often result in 'golden' dogs equal to any 'bred' scenario. And it is well documented that mixed breeds are healthier overall as well..but that is another discussion. I guess my point is that dog and human are what makes the relationship not simply dog and it's pedigree or beginnings. But I will still agree with the author's decision with regard to the concern of narrowing the latitudes of uncertainty when it comes to a child..especially a child with perhaps some negative experiences.

I agree that people have to make the decisions that make the most sense for their families. I'll never vilify someone for making an informed, moderate decision when it comes to animal ownership. In the case of the author, she clearly has an extensive background and experience and she knows what will be best for her child.

BUT many are 5-7 day havens and euthanasia on the 6 or 8th day. Many dogs in the shelters now are Pit Bull crosses - not exactly the greatest family dog by the time they get to the shelters.

Other mixed breed dogs are imported into states from other countries for adoption. I ran into that after the hurricane that devastated Puerto Rico........dogs were coming into CT - many were sick.

A reliable breeder stands behind their pups, you have past history on the parents and other siblings, references from previous puppy buyers as to temperament, health etc.

So count me in support of reputable breeders.

Either side is neither 'cut and dry'. Reputable breeders as well as reputable shelters are no way absolute and both ends of the industry are far from imperial. Make conscious, educated and researched decisions and by no means blindly accept, yes even from so called reputable breeders, that because a breeder all is best. Consider all things, your lifestyle, your family, your family's health, the health of the dog and genetic disparities of health..and just perhaps bringing a dog into the home is not of the best for all.

Although I applaud efforts to encourage people to adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue, in some cases it's gone too far. Everyone should have the right to determine what kind of pet is best for their family, their situation, their level of experience.

Both avenues for getting a new pet are valid and no one should feel guilty about which one they chose. While taking in a rescue is a fine thing, the overwhelming majority of them did not have the best start in life. They come from irresponsible breeders, oops litters, etc. That most of them make good pets is a tribute to the adaptability of the dog. Their breeders may have good intentions but they lack knowledge about nutrition, socialization, care of the mother, health testing, puppy development, etc. Good breeders are passionate students of dogs and we don't want to lose them in the drive to find homes for every displaced pet. Everyone is entitled to seek out the best fit for their needs. No one should make them feel guilty about that.

At first I was going to label this person "PC" but I do appreciate her position regarding the rescue of any animal. But...That's not the point. It is her attitude that rescue is the only choice in all situations! Rigid position and intolerance is the problem. What this women doesn't get is that using a polarizing attitude and being condescending pushes people away from the important point, which is - rescue of animals is God's work. Do it if and when you can. If it's not appropriate, then don't. You'll be a bad owner and the animal will suffer. Never let these type of people force you to second guess yourself. It is time for us all to push back on these judgmental people in whatever walk of life or circumstance we meet them!!