[memyselfandi59]

Our last 2 dogs have been rescues...same breed that we’ve always owned, and in our opinion the traits of the breed are so predictable you sort of know exactly what you’re getting.

But 1st rescue was from the SPCA, and this past time was from one of the breed specific rescue organizations.

If/when we adopt another dog, I’d use the breed specific rescue organization again, even though it is a bit of a hassle (as the writer says, there’s applications, home visits, a higher fee than the shelters.) But the advantage is the dog’s been vetted by being fostered and you know what issues the dog does or more importantly doesn’t have. An SPCA or county animal shelter can give you a little info, but not the same as getting the info from someone who has fostered the animal.

[Baynative]

I can't imagine a life void of the companionship my dogs provide. Someone said, ""The more people I meet, the more I like dogs." I couldn't agree more. Their selfless devotion and unqualified love is a trait humans would benefit from practicing more often.

Just witness this labrador's love for her returning soldier.

[Paradox]

I love animals, and especially my dogs, because I know they love me. But...

In a recent survey by Psychology Today, four-fifths of dog owners “consider their dogs to be true family members, equal in status to children.”

That's just going a bit too far. I have a problem with that.

[Boogieman]

I wish I could have a mutt again, but my apartment building doesn’t allow them, and I get too good of a deal on the rent to give it up just yet.

My downstairs neighbors have a tomcat that has taken a liking to me and greets me at my back door every morning when I leave, and every afternoon when I get home, demanding my attention. Not as good as a dog, but it’s something, I guess.

[Twotone]

Doggie ping...

[Tax-chick]

that’s more than the value of everything produced by everyone in Uruguay that year

It's not any American dog's fault that the economy of Uruguay is in the toilet. It's their fault for electing people who don't understand how economics works.

[Verginius Rufus]

...American pets can not only fly...

My niece has some pets like that. They're birds.

[Slings and Arrows]

Doggie ping!

[tx_eggman]

"... and to think, in some countries these dogs are eaten"

Buck Laughlin, Best in Show

[Lizavetta]

I've had some experience with animal rescues (bird and dog).

In my opinion, the rescues are good hearted people who want only the best for their animals. But they go too far - too demanding, too invasive, too threatening, etc.

They are looking for the perfect home, in their eyes. What animals truly want, and only want, is food, shelter,love. That's it.

Rescues have driven away good homes in their efforts to find perfection.

[CSM]

Great article. I just rescued Buford and this one made me smile. So much rings true!