Oh Gatorgal, that would kill me I've watched videos of dogs being put to sleep and it just makes me cry. If I could, I'd rescue as many dogs as possible. I actually always liked mix dogs better but our second dog is actually a beagle and he is such a great dog. The beagle rescues in our area are overflowing with so many beagles that they can't take them all in. There are many other breed specific rescues out there but honestly great dogs don't have to be a specific breed.

Beautiful dogs Mary!

That’s not true about all kill shelters. Our rescue league won’t release an animal until it has been fixed & vetted.

I’ve adopted one dog & 3 cats from our local shelter.

Of course, w/ any new addition you must take it to the vet during the 1st week. The only issue we ever had was w/ our dog, he had worms. Easily treated.

We paid $90 for our dog & he was neutered & current on his shots.

Wow I couldn't imagine having to be the person doing this. (I sincerely feel for you and understand its a harsh and cruel reality due to lack of funds and space.) I volunteer from time to time at the Humane Society which of course doesn't kill but even seeing these poor animals in boring concrete runs just dying for attention and love shatters my heart beyond words.

I'm a huge advocate at adoption and shudder when I hear about someone's new "purebred, show-quality, winning-line, etc" puppies. Of course we all come about the realization at different paces. I was given my dog by my aunt who chose to allow her two to mate. Of course I love her to pieces as she's been with me for 6 years but in hindsight and going forward I'd only ever adopt.

My beloved shih tzu was a rescue. What a marvelous little furperson he was and was my close & loyal companion until he passed at the age of 18. I still miss him a LOT but it has been a while now so I'm thinking of looking for another dog this spring.

I plan to start my search at the local shelters. I would like another shih tzu and would prefer a mature dog. Trouble is I just can't bring myself to go into these places...it just breaks my heart to see all these forgotten souls. Nelie, I didn't even TRY to watch that video...just upsets me too much.

I'd better stop 'cause I could go on and on about pets in shelters. I look forward to the day when I can bring another home to be with me. Thanks for the important post.

I didn't watch the video yet but wanted to add my two cents worth.

I'm extremely grateful to animal rescues/shelters and their workers/volunteers for giving innocent animals a second chance at a good life.

My second ferret (in my avatar) came from a ferret rescue.. and there's nothing wrong with him. He's deaf, but you'd have the same chance of getting a deaf ferret from any source. At the Texas Ferret Lovers Rescue, any ferrets with life illnesses are kept separately from the healthy ferrets, and are only allowed as fosters.

It's definitely worth it to adopt rather than buy from a pet store.. that's one way to help the shelters instead of support the puppy (and ferret) mills.

My first ferret (Weasel- dark sable) came from Craigslist. I agree that there are some bad people on craigslist when it comes to pets, but there are also some people who genuinely need to rehome their pet. I'm also grateful to these people who try to find their pet a good home instead of dump them.

When considering purchasing a new pet, if you can, please adopt from your local rescue/shelter. You can always call around first and see if they have any animals that would fit what you're looking for.

I've attached a picture of my ferrets: Weasel (dark grey/black) and Slinky (white).. I love both of my fuzzies and if I ever adopt again, it will definitely be from a ferret shelter or from the classifieds.

If you go to a shelter with the intention to adopt, I can almost guarantee that those eyes will catch yours' and you'll fall in love with a furkid.