I've heard stories about Petland associated with puppy mills too - but don't know how much is true. I got my dog from Petland and he's a wonderful dog. They have such cute puppies in there.

What about an Animal Shelter? They have many dogs whose owners can no longer care for them for various reasons. Another option to consider, maybe?

I had a relative who adopted a rescue dog, and there were numerous restrictions placed on the family as far as care and how often they could leave the dog. I don't know if that's the case with all rescue animals, but it certainly made a difference in the amount of freedom they had, especially at first. TJ

I've heard stories about rescue groups even taking the dog back if you don't adhere to their rules. Remember Ellen(on TV) and how she gave a little girl the dog she'd adopted. The rescue group just took the dog away from the child and gave it to someone else. Ellen begged on air for the return, but to no avail.

We have a center close to us that just opened in the last 2 years that takes pets that people do not want and adopt them out. They don't do away with them.

When I got my puppy last November I first did a bunch of research to find what breed would be the best match for me and my life style. I needed a dog that was good with kids, cats and other dogs. I did not want one that would be snarky. I choose a Beagle. Next I looked for a reputable breeder in my area. I had to fill an application in on line and be accepted as a good candidate for purchasing this type of a dog. Beagles do not do well being left alone for long periods of time. After they had accepted me I felt very comfortable on going and getting my dog form their kennel by myself. If you feel uncomfortable bring a friend with you but make sure that if you do not buy from a reputable breeder that you are very careful as your pet could have health issues. I got a guarantee with my dog against any inherited disorders. If you go with Petland check to see if they have any policies that insure the health of the dog. What type of a dog are you thinking of. Just curious. When you get the little one post pictures. Anyway, my Beagle has turned out to be a great choice for me. The grandkids love her to pieces and she is wonderful with them and is even gentle with the one year old. She is tearing up the yard though. LOL I love her anyway and we are working on that.

I forgot to add, she is great friends with my seven year old Golden Retriever. She keeps both of us from sitting around like a couple of lumps.

We have 3 dogs. One came from a pet store. One came from a breeder and the last one came from a shelter. All are wonderful companion animals.
We live not far from a major shelter that regularly rescues animals from floods, hurricanes (big Katrina rescue), other countries (Mexico and the Carribean) and puppy mills. Many of the animals that they have for adoption are pure breeds. Last year, my husband and I rescued a breeder mom. She's a beautiful full breed golden retriever. She has MANY issues. She still is extremely fearful of everything. It has been fun teaching her to "be a dog" over the last year. She had to learn to walk on a leash. She's still learning that strangers will not harm her. Our other dogs are teaching her to play. She learned that the treats are stored in the Mancave. I think she regressed during the weeks I spent at the hospital, but she's very slowly coming around again.
Getting a rescue dog has been a challenge and a blessing. I would encourage you to consider a rescue before buying from a pet store.

I am not sure that I can comment as things may be very different in Australia - but the RSPCA - our animal protection agency strongly recommends not buying dogs or cats from pet stores - mainly because they are worried that many of them come from puppy mills.

Have you decided what type of puppy you would like? I spent months working out waht breed I wanted before getting my new puppy almost 0 weeks ago. I bought him from a registered breeder that was strongly recommended by several people. I was actually on a wait list with another breeder - but unfortunately that dog miscarried and she was kind enough to refer me on to another breeder- from whom she was buying a puppy herself.

For me it was wonderful - and I really enjoyed visiting the puppy multiple times in the breeders home to get to know him and spend time with each of his parents. It was a wonderful experience to see my puppy as young as 11 days and to see him grow and to get to know him a little before bringing him home.

As Beasley said, if you have concerns about visiting a strangers home - perhaps you can take a friend with you. That way - if you choose a reputable breeder - you can be assured of a healthy well socialised little dog. I am not saying that there are problems with all dogs from pet stores - as I am sure that you can be lucky and get a wonderful companion from them ...perhaps though the risks are greater.

I love dogs - and this last two years has been the first time in my life without one. I have to say that this new little fella is a joy in my life and gives me a reason to get up each morning. Good luck with finding a new little friend - they are hard work as puppies but are well worth it.

I realised soon after getting this little boy that it is the first time in my life that I have raised and trained a puppy all by myself.......

Debbie

8 weeks ago - I hate it that you cant edit things when you realise that you have made a mistake.

Debbie

Another option, some pet stores have adoption days but don't sale the pets. You can avoid patronizing puppy mills this way. Petco & PetSmart are two that come to mind. The rescues come to you, in a public place.

Petland is now selling rescue dogs. I haven't done research yet on them, but the place is calle Aloha. I saw a border collie(I wanted one) and discovered it was way too active for me and my father. I'm not considering something smaller. Perhaps a Cavalier.

Good job deciding against a border collie - they are beautiful intelligent dogs - but are incredibly active and need exercise, exercise and more exercise. My youngest daughter has border collie / kelpie crosses and they need a minimum of 2 forty five minutes walk a day and even still get easily bored and can be destructive. It is well worth completing one of the surveys as was posted here to get a list of breeds that might suit you - and then looking closely at the recommended dogs. It is so important to get it right as they are a huge commitment- and different dogs suit different people. Have you had a dog before?

I ended up choosing a West Highland Terrier - and he is a delight - although true to his breed he is stubborn and can be very wilful. I knew that when I chose the breed and am enjoying training him - and moulding his personality ever so gently. Not really looking forward to the "teenage " years but know with consistency and heaps of positive reinforcement he will continue to be a delight.

Good luck with your decision making
Debbie

Please disregard my stupid question about whether you have previously had a dog. As soon as I hit the Add button I remembered the recent loss of your dog. So sorry about mucking it up - you know what it is like - the brain is still not functioning properly at all.

I had large gap in time between getting this puppy and loss of my previous dog - but only because circumstances stopped me getting a puppy. Prior to my previous dog I waited less than a month before getting a new puppy. It certainly wasn't replacing my old Goldie - I deliverately bought a different breed and different gender even. It was just lovely to have the joy that a puppy brings.

Good luck with it all - sorry about my stuff up.

Debbie

Sandgroper, no offence taken. It's hard to remember everyone in our group.