Hello there Patsy! I agree that it's strange how much people are prepared to pay for a pedigree dog, then neglect it and cause it to stray and/or suffer. That cocker spaniel I mentioned above was a pedigree bitch and probably cost about £500. I also dislike this silly fashion for little chihuahuas and toy Yorkies bought by trendy girls who only want to dress them in clothes and stick them in their handbags. The owners obviously just can't imagine how the dog feels.
When I bought my two Siamese kittens (brothers called Minty and Murphy) as companions for my old Siamese Smokey, the breeder sensibly came to our house to see exactly where they would be living and check that I knew about their needs. I admired that and didn't mind at all. She also told me to contact her if I found I didn't want them (as if!!) and she'd take them back. Cats and dogs have needs, feelings and affection to give and receive. They aren't objects or toys.