Please help!

[luvofallhorses]

I dont know really. My mum doesnt feel confident with them. Also all the ones in the shelters tend to be abused or some big issue

I volunteer at my local animal shelter and I work with abused dogs and ones that have "issues". it's not that hard to work with, honestly. you just have to have a lot of love to offer the dog and of course patience and the feeling that you gain the trust of a dog and are helping the dog overcome something horrible makes you feel good and even better when you find them a great home. Of course, the dog isn't going to get over it in one night, but you just have to be patient and gain the dog's trust and give the dog reassurance that nobody is going to hurt them again. IMO that wasn't a cool comment of you to say they aren't good enough.

[Whisk_Luva]

Its not that. When I am older I will take the abused ones in a second but this would be our FIRST dog. We just couldnt cope... my mum certainly couldnt cope.

[Genny]

There are lots of 'older' dogs that would make good pets/friends. If I were you I'd DEFINITELY just go to the shelter and get a dog there. I don't think you guys would enjoy a puppy since you don't want a dog that is hyper etc... There are millions of dog that need homes.

We know about the 40 mile per hour couch potatos (how they put it at our local shelter) We looked at some, but they were no good.

What do you mean 'no good.' Dogs are like people. No one is any better than anybody else. Everyone is different and has different opinions, but we're all equal and that's how dogs are. They're are different kinds, but they still have a heart that loves unconditionally.