I'm sorry to hear about Shadow. It sounds like you're ready for a puppy, but, your mother isn't. I'm not saying she wouldn't make a good dog owner, but, not a puppy. The reason your friend's dog may not bark is that he's a dog, not a puppy. And, you don't know what he did before, he may have barked all the time, and, got no attention, and, got no attention when he didn't bark, either. You said he looks like they don't pay any attention to him. You should take Shadow to the shelter now while he's young, he will surely get a home. And, you can even check on him if you wanted to. Let us know what happens! It'll be alright. Maybe you can just spend the time you'll have without a puppy preparing yourself to be an even better pet owner. Maybe you could get a rabbit or some other indoor type of pet. I recommend rats. A pet like that could be 100% your responsibility and your mother wouldn't have to worry about potty training or barking.