Since most of you know I am with the Humane Society, all I can add to these great stories is; a dog from a shelter, especially one that came from an abused or neglected background, will be your friend and protector for life! I'm speaking from experience!
My SIL got old Bo from the humane society. Half semoyd and half golden retriever as a puppy when he weighed four pounds. He is a good-natured ruffian with a great sense of humor.
Amen! I am very active with Guardian Angel Basset Rescue, and our precious Wilson came from there. He and our darling Piper are attached at the hip! I grew up with a Basset as my best friend, and the stories of the rescue dogs just break my heart. Rescue dogs are wonderful pets too; Wilson was found wandering the streets in Indiana in the dead of winter before he was taken to a pound, then transferred to GABR. They cared for him, gave him medical attention and neutered him, before we got him. He was staying with fosters in Wisconsin. He was very shy, and still a little thin when we got him, but he is the sweetest little fella you could ever hope to meet! He and my fiance are best buds, while Piper and I have bonded as only "gals" can! But both Bob and I love both of them as our "children." I cannot have children, and by the time I was in a place where I could adopt, my health was failing me. Piper and Wilson are my lifelines. They make me smile, and laugh, and feel good, even on my worst pain days!
Please do adopt from a shelter or rescue before buying from an independent breeder -- and please do not buy from a pet shop, as most pets there are from puppy mills, and puppy mills do not deserve our support!!
More information can be found from GABR or The Daily Drool. The "Drool" lists information on rescue organizations of practically all breeds.
God bless you, tinlady!!
Here are my Wilson (foreground) and Piper (background) -- 
"a dog from a shelter, especially one that came from an abused or neglected background, will be your friend and protector for life! I'm speaking from experience"Got two of 'em layin' at my feet. The older one was a four-time reject (once when he was turned in and three times adopted and summarily rejected). Loyal to a fault. loving, protective of the homestead and they way they follow me, you'd think I'd hung the moon.
Rescued pooches are the BEST! Wish I could have a few more.