Help Desperate, Looking for a Puppy

[WestCoastGal]

I recently lost my little Cockapoo suddenly to pancreatitis and diabetes and have been searching everywhere for a small dog/puppy at a reasonable price and have had no luck. The area where I live has gotten so expensive only the rich and famous live here. The going price for a small mix poodle is $700.00 which I think is a lot of money. If I had it, of course, I would pay that. The pound dogs are for the most part big dogs or very old and sickly little ones.

It's a long shot, but you guys always have great input and I would be happy to hear your suggestions. Needless to say I am lost without this dog. My husband died 4 years ago and that little guy got me through a very rough time. Thanks for reading this.

[Snowy]

Look at the breed rescues. Many of them have mixed breeds at a reasonable price. I'm involved in Golden Retriever rescue, so I can't help you more than that. :) Good luck!

[Tijeras_Slim]

What snowy said... there's rescue groups for just about every breed. Unlike the pound, rescue dogs are sometimes in "foster" homes, so the temporary owners know lots about the dog's personality and habits.

[annyokie]

If you want a definate breed, look on the AKC site, AmericanKennelClub.com. They will be able to give you the names and addys of breeders. I got my blonde lab this way in PA. She cost $400. She's not the smartest girl in the world, but is a great dog.

[gorush]

Our Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a wonderful companion, but may be a tad larger than small, coming in at 30-35lbs. They are very smart, but have an eating disorder. You must meter their intake as they will not stop eating until the food is gone...but what a personality. Good luck with your search.

[truthkeeper]

Don't laugh, but have you looked in the Pennysaver? Don't know whereabouts in CA you are - I'm in L.A. - but I see loads of ads for puppies under $100.

[LurkedLongEnough]

I got a look-alike "replacement" for my dog too quickly, only to realize that nothing would bring her back.

My advice is to wait a few weeks, if not months, before deciding what to do. Pets are indeed a joy for most people, but freedom, if only temporary, from the burdens of pet ownership also has unique benefits. Good luck.

[mdittmar]

Sorry about your dog,it's tough losing a pet.

Any non-profit humane society close to you?

They have many dogs and cats that are spayed,neutered,locally cost is $70.00 for dogs and you are reimbursed for the first vet visit if done within three days.

[Zipporah]

Geesh.. $700 for a MIX breed?? Good heavens.. start with the AKC and ask for breeders in your area that are responsible breeders. Responsible breeders ..bred what is the best match .. which means health and temperment.. I bred and showed Shih Tzus for many years and I can tell you there is a HUGE difference in ethics between responsible breeders and those who are not.

[July 4th]

If you're in LA, I know what you mean about pet store prices. There are several $1,000 dogs in some stores that wouldn't be more than $350-400 elsewhere. Check the classifieds in the newspapers - there are always plenty of puppy ads.

[tob2]

Sorry to hear about your loss. After I had to put down my wonderful cocker/pekenesse mix, I found a wonderful Pug at a local no-kill shelter. Prices vary but I may have a pure breed dog for under $100.00. Good luck in your search.

[Snowy]

Geesh.. $700 for a MIX breed?? Good heavens.. start with the AKC and ask for breeders in your area that are responsible breeders. Responsible breeders ..bred what is the best match .. which means health and temperment.. I bred and showed Shih Tzus for many years and I can tell you there is a HUGE difference in ethics between responsible breeders and those who are not.

That's what I originally thought. All that money for a mixed breed? My field golden was only a little more than that and he is beautiful, healthy, and smart. WestCoastGal, go to www.petfinder.com.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

I got a purebred black lab at the local humane society, and am very happy. $60. They have a website; look for Southeast Volusia County Humane Society. They might send you a dog, too, or know of a rescue group that will. I know they have Boxer and Lab rescue groups

[InABunkerUnderSF]

Check out Willie:

http://www.ksfo560.com/listingsEntry.asp?ID=82243&PT=PUPPY+LOVE+IS+BROUGHT+TO+YOU+BY+THE+SPCA

For adoption details click the "Puppy Love" link to the left.

[Illbay]

First, get a real dog. Any dog under 30 pounds is just a cat with a personality.

[PeoplesRepublicOfWashington]

I suggest you consider a nice pocket pet like a southern flying squirrel.

[jimkress]

Don't laugh, but have you looked in the Pennysaver?

Do this and you'll perpetuate the misery of dogs being abused in puppy mills.

Rescue is your best bet with AKC a close second.

Do not, under any circumstances, provide any financial gain to a puppy mill. The people who run puppy mills should be forced to live in the same conditions they impose on their animals.

[tet68]

Just cats etc.

My australian Blue heeler begs to differ.
I've learned not to argue with her.

[damper99]

Check out American Brittany Rescue (www.americanbrittanyrescue.org) Britts are people dogs, thrive on attention and are very social. They are great companions.

[LibWhacker]

I second (or third) the rescue idea. Just adopted a rescue dog myself recently. Looked on Google (also, you might want to check out Yahoo and the other big search engines . . . They all have pages like this and from there you can concentrate on breed, size, group, rescues and shelters, etc., etc.) and came up with this for you.

If the rescue or shelter isn't near you, you can often arrange to have the animal shipped to you. So it's worth checking out rescues and shelters further afield than you otherwise might.

Good luck in your hunt for a new forever friend! There's a doggy out there that needs you.