KateG said : "As far as I'm concerned, rescue is the ONLY way to go when you need a dog." I agree, BUT !!! If you don't know squat about dogs, the people at the shelter may not be of any help... even worse, they may direct you to that dog that they just can't seem to pawn off on anyone. And for good reason. If you don't want to read a sad story, pass this up.

My buddy and his wife, who know squat about dogs, got one at the SPCA and, the first time I looked it the eyes, I told my ex to "keep an eye on him". Shivers, period. I could see it, I could sense it. Long story short... after nipping and biting a dozen or more people, he attacked and mauled an 83 year old lady and that was the end of him. Why the SPCA had not done the job in the first place really amazed me. Anyone knowlegeble would have detected this "problem" immediately, as I had, with only a glance. I suppose it's because funds are limited and sometimes people who know squat about dogs get hired at the shelter. Beware... if you don't know squat about animals, find someone who does before you go to the pound.

That said, the pound is the place to get your dog if you know dogs. That's where I'll be getting my next dog, fer sure !!