Astrid, A Big Black and Brown Dog

We aren't sure how or why Astrid ever ended up in a shelter. She was obviously loved and well trained at one time. By this time in our lives, we knew we needed to match our dogs personality and breed characteristics to our own lifestyle. I wanted a dog that would keep me active and provide companionship. My husband wanted a dog that made me happy because then he is happy. Astrid is all this and one hundred times more.

So you are thinking of getting a dog but you don't know which is right for you, to adopt or shop around. Astrid and I have deep respect for the amazing breed specimens we see in dog shows. We love watching them on TV.! So...are you going to be showing your dog to win titles and such? Probably not, so maybe you don't want to encourage the breeding of more puppies in a world all ready overpopulated with unwanted puppies and dogs. But you say you want a specific breed. How about breed specific rescues? What is that? They are rescues that rescue specifically one breed of dog like only Cocker Spaniels, or only Rottweilers, or only Beagles, or only just about any breed of dog you can name. If you are reading this, you are already pretty computer savvy and know how to find things so go ahead, it's okay to want EXACTLY the kind of dog you really want. As a fellow dog lover, just go about it the right way.

How about a pet store? Remember that song 'How Much Is That Doggie In The Window'? Well, you've got to be old...really, really old to remember that song, but it conjures up warm, snuggly, cute little playful puppies looking for perfect homes. Have any idea where the store gets all these cute little puppies? Didn't think so. There was a time when I didn't either, and I often wish I hadn't found out because the mental image of it all haunts me at times. They are called puppy mills. Mill....yep, like a factory. Really cute little girl dogs that are likely to produce really cute little puppies are kept in tiny little cages all their lives and produce litter after litter after litter after litter until they are worn out and can't produce any more. Then, they are taken to a shelter where at best, they are humanely disposed of. Oh, I know...right about now you wish that you, like me, didn't know about puppy mills either because it is ugly. Really, really ugly.

So, let's go back to the fact that you want a dog. Maybe a really mixed up (breed wise) loveable puppy or older dog from a shelter is right. Still have your heart set on that 'purebred'? Now you know, that's possible too. You've got the knowledge now.