Kathryn~ you are right in asking what you're asking. People may find dogs in other states for a lot less, but in CA, it's pretty hard to find such a great quality dog, esp. a female, for much less. I paid almost what you're asking for Max, and he's a male AND isn't AKC (which doesn't matter a whit to me, b/c he's my companion, not a showdog)....and your thinking is spot on.....you want someone who will be able to afford to care for Paris (it's not just the initial cost of buying a dog, as we ALL have found out), and when you pay more for something, (I DON'T mean that rescue dogs or adoption dogs who cost less are any less valued, so don't bash me on that statement), you tend to appreciate it more. Or you're less likely to just pass it on. I know when I spent $2400 for a bird, I was a lot more willing to be patient with him and deal with his quirks than if I'd paid $300 for him. And if I'd had to sell him, I'd be asking probably $50,000 for him, after all the damage he did to walls, carpets, window sills, draperies, furniture, etc etc
You want someone who'll think twice before they decide that it wasn't what they signed up for. You don't need to aplogize for anything. I only wish I could buy her
. I know you'll find a wonderful home for her.