PLEASE don't rely on BYB's, just don't. =( I know that you know better.

I find that pounds & shelters can often come off rude, because many people that have worked there for a long time can become callous and they just want to re-home dogs as quickly & smoothly as possible. Look into specific breed or all-breed rescues, both of my pups are from rescues and working with them was AWESOME! They really cared to hear all about how we felt, and both rescues check up on us regularly, and we send them pics and such.

It is so worth it to rescue a dog, forget some of the rude people you might encounter. You have to understand that some of the rescuers do become bitter, after meeting people who neglect, return, abuse, etc, the dogs they adopt out. These people are NOT in the business for the money... BYB's are in the business for money alone, which results in them being very no-questions-asked and polite, as long as you hand over the cash. It will take time, on your part, to find the perfect pup for you.... just giving up and going to a BYB is a total cop-out! You're better than that.

It took me 2 years to find the perfect puppy. I could NOT be more ecstatic that I waited for Fozzie, it was like he was meant for us all along! I now am so relieved that I didn't buy from a good breeder, a BYB, or anywhere else. I will help you search if it means you'll give rescues a chance! Have you checked out your local ASPCA? I volunteer for one, and have been to a few in various states, and they are a wonderful organization for the most part.

Edited to add: Also, in my opinion, if you have had trouble with the vaccination issue, I would not even mention it if I were you. If you're asked about it, say the puppy will get shots regularly (aka doing titers...). Many rescues are crunched for time & volunteers, so they will simply scan through an application and if you say you don't give shots, they will just write you off simply out of a lack of time. At least they CARE about where the pups are going, unlike BYB's.