[gnicoll]

If you are considering getting a new dog--or if you have a bit more space in your home and your heart--PLEASE consider rescuing a dog!!! There are SO MANY !@#$ families who give up their dogs for adoption after having had them for several years, just because the family finds it suddenly "inconvenient" to have a dog (like they move and won't take the dog with, or they just got tired of having a dog, or the kids wouldn't keep up with the responsibilities, etc). You should see all the wonderful dog rescues out there (I'm talking about specific breed rescues, like Keeshond, or German Shepherd, or Akita, etc.) that have beautiful, wonderful, loving dogs just desperate for a family to love!

[Hound Lover]

I totally agree with you.

All my dogs have been a rescue of some sort.

Our first Beagle we adopted in 1988 was found in a puppy mill in Illinois. This breeder breed everything profitable. Our vet at the time, who was also a profession at UW-Madison, reported him and shut that mill down. He was the best... we had him 14 years before he had to go to dog heaven.

Our second dog was a rescue from one of the area rescue agencies. He was found abandoned by animal control, taken to the Humane Society and then the agency picked him up and fostered him until adoption. We have had him 5 years now. He is the most loving mutt around. We are not sure how old he is, what his real name was or even the mix he is. The only breed apparent in his mix is a basset hound.

Just three weeks ago, we rescued one more. My children always wanted a puppy and I told them that the only way I would adopt a puppy is through a rescue. We were fortunate to find a 6 month old Beagle puppy. We are her third home and final home! Her first home felt she was too much work because they had very young children and the second home crated her 10-12 hours per day and couldn't understand why she was not housebroken and so hyper.

The Off-Leash Park that we walk our dogs at is just loaded with other people who have adopted rescue dogs. I am just amazed. I thought I was the only sap!

I do believe that once my children are all moved out... first one leaves this fall for college... I will truly become a foster home for our local animal rescue.

[Critter crazy]

I totally agree! My dogs have all been rescues of sorts. If not from shelters, or humane societies, then from people who needed to re-home for Various resons.