[JadeD]

I take in most of my dogs from people who no longer can care for them, so I get them for free or for a small re-homing fee (like under $40). I have purchased a dog from a breeder (backyard, but I didn't know better as I was 19) and she was actually a great dog (Husky).

I think however you choose to get your dog though is your choice and as long as you are happy with it then that is great.

I have money to afford vet care for my dogs, but not the initial cost of a $1000+ dog and vet care on top of that.

A friend of mine has a male yorkie that I have adored since she got him. She also has a female Chinese Crested and so she bred her dogs primarily to give me a puppy from them. I had pick of the litter. In January I was handed a 9 year old Yorkie from some people I was acquaintances of who were divorcing and neither could keep the dog. I gave my pick of the litter to my teenage daughter for her birthday. I however, fell in love with one of the other puppies and my friend is letting me have that puppy as well. So, I am getting 2 free Yorkie mix puppies that I will love and treasure.

Some people on here have made it clear that they don't approve of my friend breeding her dogs so I could have a puppy, but she was giving me something I really wanted. My previous dog had died of cancer and I was heartbroken and she was helping me get a new dog, not realizing after we agreed to this (she asked me months before puppies were expected about it) that I would be handed the very dog I needed to help me recover from my heartbreak.

Get a dog that you will love and that is what will matter! Good luck in finding the right dog for you.