Just in case you wanted to know what went through my mind when I adopted my purebreed Golden Retriever:
1) I had one rescued dog. I wanted a second dog.
2) My dog was female (spayed), not yet full grown, skiddish (due to past abuse), and had a poor immune system (due to past neglect).
3) A companion for my dog would, therefore, need to be completely healthy (I would not compromise on the health of my first baby). It would also be better if the second dog did not have a dominant personality (because the first one is skiddish) and would not tower over her in size. The second dog needed to get along with other dogs. I thought a male dog would get along better with my female.
4) My first, second, and third visits are to my local shelter. The shelter was actually rather empty at the time. I did not find a dog that seemed right for my family. I love my rescued dog. I would love to save a sweet homeless creature, but I would not simply bring home any needy dog, if it was not what was best for my dog and my family.
5) I grew up with a golden retriever, so I visited a nearby family, that had advertised having golden puppies. One of the puppies, Jake, stood out to me. He was sweet, easy going, not the dominant type, had always lived in a house with other dogs, and was currently smaller than my rescued dog. He was also very healthy. I fell in love with Jake, because he was Jake. I knew he would be a perfect addition to my family and a wonderful companion for my dog. I did pay for him, but it was no where near the amount I have paid to get, Addie, my rescued dog, back to health. Addie means the world to me, I would never do anything to put her in harms way. It made sense for me to get Jake. I don't regret it.
6) Addie and Jake are best buddies, and are now both healthy and happy. They are priceless to me, no matter what their breed. I made a decision based on what was right for me and my family, not status.
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