We're in the market for a dog. DW is allergic to most breeds, but does not seem to be allergic to poodles or some other types. She's been doing a lot of research on this (including Petfinder.com, which appears to be the central clearinghouse for pooches), and has located a number of prospects. Now that I'm well into getting the fence built, we're getting close to being ready.
I'm a litle suspicious of these animal rescue places--some strike me as possible scams, or at best, one step up from puppy mills. I'm used to going to the local pounds/shelters, looking at the mutts, finding a good match, paying 30-80 bucks, and being on our way. These rescue places are nothing like that--they are private operations, you have to fill out a lengthy application (people are frequently rejected I'm told), and pay them $300 for the dog.
So, are these businesses legit? As a guy who paid $400 to get a hysterectomy for a hamster stricken with endometriosis (I'm not kidding), I am not reluctant to spend some $$ for a dog, but I don't want to be supporting a bunch of scam artists who may or may not even be treating the animals well.
I'm a litle suspicious of these animal rescue places--some strike me as possible scams, or at best, one step up from puppy mills. I'm used to going to the local pounds/shelters, looking at the mutts, finding a good match, paying 30-80 bucks, and being on our way. These rescue places are nothing like that--they are private operations, you have to fill out a lengthy application (people are frequently rejected I'm told), and pay them $300 for the dog.
So, are these businesses legit? As a guy who paid $400 to get a hysterectomy for a hamster stricken with endometriosis (I'm not kidding), I am not reluctant to spend some $$ for a dog, but I don't want to be supporting a bunch of scam artists who may or may not even be treating the animals well.