This forum is the best! I can't believe how helpful everybody is!

I'll certainly be ready to adopt by spring - maybe before then. I do sincerely appreciate your help in locating a good rescue! I looked around a little bit and didn't see one any closer than Chicago. That's quite a drive. But - for the perfect dog, a long drive or even a plane ride would be worth it.

I want to keep this dog for many years - so it's important to me to find the perfect dog, and I'm willing to wait a long time to find it.

Like I mentioned before, I'd like a dog 3 or older. I think a female would be best because my other dog is a male. I'd like a really sweet, loving, and loyal dog. One who growls and barks at strangers but wouldn't bite unless it absolutely had to. The dog absolutely must be good with cats (my husband loves the beasts) and kids and other dogs. I'd be tickled pink if the dog also loved to play fetch and loved car rides. I'd be in heaven if she also had some previous training. We have a kennel club here, but the waiting list is verrrrrrry long.

The dog will be indoors 80% or more of the time. I'd like to give her the run of the house, but I can crate her when we're gone if absolutely necessary. I don't think I'd leave her outdoors when I wasn't home, even in a fence and on the dog run. Our climate is very, very cold. I'm looking into building a heated dog house for the time when she/he would be outdoors.

Where can I get more information specific to German Shepherd handling? Specifically, I want to know what to tell my kids and their friends, to avoid any problems when the friends are over.

I'm so excited! I feel silly - I'm acting like I'm adopting a child or something! I actually find myself daydreaming about adopting a dog! Maybe I'm mentally ill or something - hehe.