dog #1: Chloe, lab/beagle mix (we think). Got her at 10 weeks, no health problems, was already fixed, we paid $25 in adoption fees and got her at the Chicago dog pound. Best dog ever.

dog #2: Maggie, beagle. Asshole of a dog, previously abused (the pound didn't tell us that, but she was too aggressive to have not been abused), same fee at the same dog pound, LOADED with health problems. $500 and six weeks after adoption, we had to put her to sleep.

dog #3: Champ, pointer. My grandpa got him in '97 from Anti-Cruelty. Very energetic as a puppy (got him at 18 months), but turned out to be extremely affectionate and very well-behaved. My ex and I "inherited" him in 2002 when my grandpa passed away and have never had a health or behavior problem with the little guy.

I've always wanted a boston terrier (the dog with the big eyes), but I can't justify paying a lot of money for one when I can find a dog at a pound who needs to be rescued. But, if buying dogs is your thing, just educate yourself first. I'm sure not all dog sellers are like puppy mills.

[whine]I want a dog.[/whine]

Oh I'd definitely like a dog but really don't think I'm in a position to care for it right now and a cat would probably be cheaper. Plus I like cats.

And sometimes you can find cats that act more like dogs. I have one of those- really smart, sits on command, responds to a whistle, drinks out of the toilet. Also very loyal and affectionate, but with the independence of a cat so that he doesn't get annoying. And no barking. The only thing he won't do is walk on a leash (I tried to leash-train him but he was already 7 years old and acted like his legs were broken when I put the harness on him).

our cat is hilarious on a leash...pure comedy

My family has a collie and papillon from breeders and my dog is a chihuahua from a breeder. Before these, we had a shelter dog.

We got exactly what we wanted from our breeders (yeah, we were being picky for some reason) and haven't had any problems. Didn't have a problem with the shelter dog either.

I've said for a while that my next pup will be from a shelter, though there are a couple of breeds I've always wanted.

Either way, there's time as I'll always have a dog or two.

wait i thought your collie was dumb as a brick or something? gorgeous dog though.

We don't have any animals right now but I just wanted to say that just because some woman calls herself a "breeder", it doesn't mean they know what they're doing. For all you know this means they just leave a male and a female in heat inside a shed for a couple of days and let nature take its course.


I've seen some of these slack-jawed, brokedown rural "breeders" in Illinois and more than a few of them are as dumb as rocks that would gladly give you a pet that has a history of physical health problems in the bloodline so that they can make a quick buck. Generally, I think people are too hung-up on a dog's appearance and breed and buy them as status symbols. Just get a good companion that's healthy. Otherwise you might turn into this:

[img][360:500]http://www.mvps.org/st-software/Movie_Collection/images/8733f.jpg[/img]



BTW, people who devote their lives to their pets and obsess over them like like little children are really annoying.

He has no mind of his own. I'm convinced if we didn't have the papillon he'd be much more Lassie-like. hehe He is a bit dull, but that's not really a problem. I was talking more of health issues.

I like to get my dogs here:

With mustard, relish, onion, pickle, celery salt, and just a bit of sauerkraut.

two doors south of that is the best burger in the known universe.

I prefer Hot Doug's for my hot dogs.

Animals have staved off our baby-havin successfully for several years now. Every 18 months, new animal.

Hey Ryan, regardless of how or where you get a dog from, it's gonna be one of the coolest experiences of your life.

My dog is so crackin me up right now.

Damn, I need to update my avatar - I've had a new helmet for like 6 months. And jesus, my poor pitiful postcount. This is depressing.

Oh and "yay shelter animals."

Thanks, babe.... I appreciate that.
True, I love my four-legged furry ones more than I probably ever could a real kid. I mean, in what other situation are you guaranteed the following:

(a) they're ALWAYS happy to see you
(b) they don't require litter boxes or diapers
(c) they pretty much eat whatever you give them (and some things you'd rather them not)
(d) they are protective of you in ways that you never would know
(e) they love you unconditionally, and will grow old with you

There isn't anything I wouldn't do for my pups. And I must say, with my dogs at ages 12 and 10 (the 12 year old starting to rapidly show his age), I'm trying to brace for the moment that they won't be around anymore. It won't be easy.

btw, as far as pits are concerned, you all should read "The Dogs Who Found Me."

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/159228 ... 28?ie=UTF8

<--- Proud pit owner. She's oldish, and half-lame, but she's still moving.

We bought our dog through Petland, since my girlfriend needed a fancy dog that didn't shed. We are still paying for the dog, but it was easier to do that then try and buy one from a breeder.
We have had our shih-tzu-poodle for about a year now. He loves people, but bites hard when we play for being such a tiny dog. He's also very hyper when he wants to play, and won't allow you to be in the kitchen without barking.

So we ended up getting this shitcolored mutt thing from the pound. Her name is Whodey.

Shit coloured? She doesn't look brown! She looks cute and I like her little socks. Ohhhh, and I just noticed the tail! Is that a white band around the end?

yeah she's pretty black i guess. it's more of a guiness and cigarettes poo color.

who dey?

We bought this pup from a breeder in Iowa:

Holy cow, DM! That's a huge dog! And he's only a puppy? He has beautiful colouring.

Well, she just turned 2, so not technically a pup anymore. Her brother is 20lbs larger than she (90 and 110 lbs respectively).

Here's big brother: