Kathy G. has a nice piece on the importance of adoption dogs from pounds, rather than going through private breeders to acquire a designer cockapoo, or whatever. My understanding, though, was that pound adoptions were risky, as you were 150% sure to bring a sociopath home who would tear your baby's throat out while urinating on your couch and impregnating your cat. Kathy, however, says:Another great thing about going through the pound is that the dogs there are very carefully screened for adoption. Adopting a dog with a serious illness or behavioral problem can be a wrenching experience; if you go through the pound, chances are you will avoid that heartache. Also, if there are specific traits you want in a dog -- a pup who's good with kids, for example, or doesn't have too high an energy level -- you can ask the shelter folks. They know the dogs pretty well and can steer you to one that would be appropriate for you.Meanwhile, there's this whole puppy mill problem with seems to mainly affect pet stores and is about to be the subject of an Oprah show. And you don't want to piss off Oprah.(Photo is of Kathy's dog Django, and is used under the assumption that she wants the whole world to know he's adorable.)
