I have to agree with what many ihave said, it doesn't matter how or where or why you got your pet. What matters is how you care for it.

That being said I don't ever see myself going to a breeder for a purebred dog. There are excellent, responsible breeders out there and that is good. I hope that people who do wish to seek out a particular breed will use thsese people. I also know that all dogs, regardless of how they came to be, need homes. I can't fault any person for fallingin love with a "puppy mill" puppy...and that dog certainly deserves a greathome. I just don't think my particular interests need a specific breed of dog.

Sadie was free, from the brother of a friend of a friend. This person took her Sadie's purebred Dalmatian mom when her owner was going to put her down becuase she was pregnant. ( The family taking her in did not know this). They then gave away the puppies to friends.

Cincy was a "free lab mix puppies" ad in the paper. We had been thinking about getting Sadie a playmate, and had been looking at shelters/rescue groups, but just had not found what we were looking for. Cincy was on eth one that needed us, as she had many health problems when we got her.

Spot wast he only one of our 3 I paid for...he was $30 (although I gave them $40) They didn't even ask for the adoption fee went I went to get him (he was on borrowed time), but I gave themoney anyway. I don't normally "donate" to kill shleters, but Jessica, the girl there went out of her way to save Spot's life and if that money heled save even one more dog it was worth it