When my kids were young we tried adopting from a shelter a couple of times. One puppy died of distemper the next day. An adult dog tried to bite one of the kids. As it turned out the dog had been abused at it's previous home. It wasn't that we could not have given a discarded animal a good home but it seemed circumstances were against us and we didn't want another heartbreak. We ended up getting a purebred puppy from an established breeder with a good reputation. We dearly wanted to give a suffering dog a loving home but it didn't work out. Everyone has their reasons for what they do. I would have no qualms about adopting a needy dog now. At least with a rescue they take the time to match the dog with the right people. |