[jims69camaro]

i am glad that this subject is seeing some light. it is a big problem. i took my in-laws down to the shelter and i swear to god if i had the resources i would adopt the whole lot. even the shelter makes me well up inside, i could only guess what a puppy mill would do to me, or what i would do to the owners if given the chance. i feel like we are living in their world, really, and we have adapted them to live with us. we have not adapted to live with them. i bought my dog through a private party sale, knew the owners of the mother of the dog and knew that this was the dog's only litter of puppies. otherwise, i would not have purchased him and i feel lucky to have him in our lives... i do not in any way want to be responsible for the actions of the owners of puppy mills.

if i ever do get another dog, which is very likely, i will rescue one from a shelter. it only costs a small amount, especially considering the care they receive at the shelter, and i would feel better knowing that at least one of them is going to live out his life in the best that i can provide for them.

my in-laws did adopt a dog, and it was only $250. that seems like a lot of money, but they receive the best veterinary care while there and are guaranteed against certain illnesses. that $250 is small peace of mind, when the several hundreds that you can pay a breeder or puppy mill gives you zero guarantee that the dog is free from illness. you can end up shelling out thousands in vet bills if you get a sick one - just ask melissa. i am not saying she shouldn't do it, or god forbid turn your back or euthanize a sick dog - absolutely do what you can with what you are given, but having that assurance from a vet before buying will shield you from the known killers of breeds.