I agree 100%. If you can't afford the purchase price, you can't afford to properly care for a dog. Even if you spend $2,000 on a puppy, it's a drop in the bucket compared to what it will cost over its lifetime. My Lady is a rescue and "free" (if you don't count the $600 I spent immediately on bloodwork, updating shots, a dental and cherry eye surgery ten years ago). At thirteen, all her health issues cost me
$5,000 a year in medications, supplements and diabetic supplies alone. Vet bills (we usually have at least one big one a year that runs between $500-$1,000) are not included in that figure.