I am so sad...

I fell in love with a dog today...

DH and I were out and about and have been contemplating adopting a dog for some time. We past a kennel in our travels today and figured we would take a look. Well, I fell in love w/ a Havanese puppy. She gave me such a look and we played w/ her for a bit. She was the sweetest little thing! Best temperment! I was ready to buy (even though that wasn't our original route). The lady told us it was $1,500 plus the cost of her additional shots. Unfortunately I knew we could not do that and besides we wanted to adopt. Still, it was so hard to put her back w/ her little brothers and sisters and walk away. DH told me we will go look at some shelters and maybe we can find a doggy that needs a good home. I can't help it. I am still so sad.

Re: I am so sad...

In a store? PLEASE don't buy from a store. Maybe try a havanesse rescue!

Re: I am so sad...

A quality pet Havanese should not cost that much. A dog from a store is a mill dog. To learn about pet store/mill dogs, please see the locked post at the top of this board. This is not a reputable place to get your pet. Please contact the Havanese rescue or a reputable breeder. Check AKC.org for referrals.

Re: I am so sad...

Thank you for everyone's response.

I don't think it wasn't a pet store per se (although I am kind of on the fence about the place. Trust me, if you saw this place, you'd be scratching your head too). My parents made that mistake once w/ our very first golden retriever and the dog was very sickly. The place screamed "puppy farm" to me though.

DH wanted to look to just get some ideas. Leave it to me to get attached.

No worries, definitely not buying from them.

ETA: Thanks for the referral though. I will look into the AKC's web sight.

Message edited 2/18/2008 9:46:37 AM.

Re: I am so sad...

I will be nice and save all my preachy pet store/breeder BS, but you might have luck if you search petfinder.com for a Havanese. You would be amazed how many purebreds are on death row just because there are not enough homes to go around. HTH!

Re: I am so sad...

You know me - I'm all about rescue. Even if it's not a "purebred" dog. Lots of great dogs are on "death row". Breeders make all that money and encouraged to add more pups to the population.

I'm not thrilled with AKC, they really promote overbreeding. I was watching one of their dog shows on Animal Planet yesterday - thought it was disgusting personally.

What about North Shore or other shelters... or even the pound. A lot of dogs get dumped, but are wonderful creatures.

Message edited 2/18/2008 8:28:04 PM.

Re: I am so sad...

Just curious, what show did you see on Animal Planet? I try to catch as many as I can, but I am not sure what you watched?

TIA

Re: I am so sad...

My brother and sister in law have a Havenese and he is a great dog. Good luck in your decision.