Re: More Dog Stuff

[Larry Levy]

For many years, I would have said: Do your research, pick a breed, do more 
research and go to a reliable breeder for a puppy. I had a built in 
prejudice. My wife and I bred the first litter of Bearded Collies whelped in 
the New World, founded the Bearded Collie Club of America the day man first 
set foot on the moon and bred and showed champions in many categories 
(conformation, obedience, herding, etc.).

It was fun, but we tired of the politics. We loved the breed (it's amazing 
how photogenic a shaggy dog can be) and later decided that there were too 
many unwanted specimens out there. We came to the conclusion that the way 
for us to go forward was to participate in the breed's rescue program. Now 
we have rescued (formerly unwanted) dogs number 4 and 5. It can take a while 
for an adult dog to learn to accept his new life and realize that this is 
where he belongs, but it is worth it when you see the light go on and become 
the recipient of its total affection.

So now I would say: Do your research, pick a breed, do more research and 
find the right rescue association. They come in a variety of sexes (male, 
female and neutered) and ages, and you should get much more than you 
expected - a devoted pet and a "free" model.

Larry in Dallas