I understand where both of you are coming from. The 4 dogs I owned came from breeders and we really researched them, starting from the vet's suggestions. I am now to the point of wanting to add a dog back into my life now (with two cats in the house) and, although I am perfectly will to try and find a pet at a shelter, my husband is not. He wants to know more history about a dog and mold the dog from day one rather than try and correct potential behavior problems (although he would be perfectly able to handle it, having gone through obedience school with our dogs.)

I don't really think that because you buy 8 dogs from a breeder that 8 dogs necessarily will have to die at a shelter (although I know exactly what you are trying to say). Sometimes there are people who just can't find what they want at a shelter, for whatever reasons or, in my case, are married to someone who has another mindset.

Anyway, I really respect both of your ideas and just wanted to throw mine into the mix. That's what's so nice about this board. We can have nice discussions without anyone getting upset.

[This message has been edited by Pam (edited February 08, 2001).]