[lisaly]

Katie was with her breeder that puts her heart and soul into her dogs, but she was three years old when I got her. Price, in this case, is different than getting a puppy. However, for me, even though my funds are in no way unlimited, it's not about the price of my dog. It never has been. I have an amazing, healthy dog with a wonderful temperament, and I couldn't possibly put a price on her. Living in the Northeast, the cost of purchasing a dog is much higher, but I will always get a dog from someone I feel is doing their very best to breed healthy, well adjusted dogs. It is hugely important that they do health testing. The emotional costs of having a sick dog are huge, as is losing a much loved member fo your family. If I couldn't afford a dog from a breeder I truly respected, I would wait until I could. The initial cost of a dog is negligible considering the costs of properly caring for and taking care of its physical, medical, and emotional needs. I have enjoyed reading this thread, but I feel very strongly about the price of a dog should not be (within reason) why you should choose one breeder over another.