[Furbaby Friend]

I wanted to stay out of the traditional mixed breed argument, but of course I can't keep my big mouth shut

I think it is unfair to always berate people who post about getting mixes about how they didn't go to the shelter or should go to the shelter. Very few, if any, people do that when someone posts about wanting a purebred Yorkie. It is all oh YTCA this and that, breeder this and that. Yet, there are plenty of purebreds in shelters too. If you are going to push shelter, it should be equally done.

I am happy for her new baby and her new addition. I know how frustrating it is searching for a mixed baby. For those of you who think it is easy to get a rescue dog, you have another thing coming. If it isn't from a shelter (in which puppies are few and far between at least in my area), the rescues are actually VERY picky and have requirements that some just cannot meet. Therefore, not everyone can get a pup from a rescue.

I tried. Either they have restrictions on how far they will travel for a home visit and you can't adopt without a home visit (hell I even offered to pay travel expenses and let them stay at my home and I was STILL turned away) or you can't have children or you can't have cats or you can't have *insert another reason here.* I fell short again and again and only THEN turned to looking for a breeder.

Also, rescue dogs can come with health issues (since a lot of them come from the mills and poor lines that we all warn against). I personally would prefer a dog that is healthy and those chances are significantly lowered if you don't know the background at all.

In addition, rescues can come with emotional issues besides health problems. Some people are not equipped to deal with that. If they can't handle it, the dog will just end up right back where it started. If they know that about themselves, it is good that they chose not to get a shelter dog. Shelter/rescue does not work for everyone.

So, yes, I went with a breeder. A breeder I love and adore. Who loves and adores Rylie and still checks in on us. I'd recommend her in a heartbeat. She loves her animals and produces healthy lines. She didn't charge me out the nose. She wasn't in it for only profit. She added to the happiness of my family in ways that I cannot even describe.

I did it, and I would do it again. However, I did A LOT of homework. Just like anyone else looking for a breeder. You can't just buy from whoever willy-nilly, purebred OR mix, and you have to be especially careful in researching and screening with a mix, I'll give you that. Rylie came from practically across the country because I DID my research and did not find ANY breeders in my area that were up to my standards. Tons of mills, pet stores, and no good sorts that I was not comfortable with.

Anyway, point is: she did what she did. I trust she did her homework. If she did not, you can always say "I told you so" later.

For now, lets just be happy for her.