Of course, when I was single, I had Chihuahuas because I lived in an apartment. They are not the best when it comes to small children, so when I started a family I had to find a wonderful home for my two Chihuahuas, which I did, and decided to get more of a bigger “watch dog”. My husband at the time, who learned to like dogs when we met, would never want to spend a lot of money on a dog. I hunted through the paper until I found a German Shepherd Pup, pretty far from where we lived, but the price was right. I was not as knowledgeable as to where to purchase puppies at the time though I have always loved animals/dogs all my life. Of course, when I saw her, I fell in love with her.
At that time I thought that a German shepherd is a perfect watch dog and they are also good with children when growing up with them. This dog turned out to be absolutely wonderful with the kids. They could do anything with her and it did not bother her. She was so kind and gentle with them. The only thing is she did not particularly like men . . . until they sat down to her level. We never could figure that out. Plus, this German shepherd we were told is purebred (but did not come with papers which was not the most important to me at the time) could not be a pure bred at all. Her floppy ears stayed that way all her life and she never lost her dark colorings as most pups of this breed do as they mature . . . and their ears normally stand up straight. She definitely was a mutt, very healthy, but the very best dog I have ever had.
There are so many dogs in shelters and kennels that are not purebred dogs and I must tell you that they are the best types of dogs if you want them to interact with your family . . . namely the children. Many (but not all) purebred dogs are very high-strung and temperamental. Mixed-breed dogs tend to be a little calmer and laid back, easy going. And we all know (especially if you are like me and watch Animal Planet all the time) there are so many unwanted homeless pets that would be so willing to please you and give a lot of unconditional love to you and the family, if you would just give them a home.
A lot of people when looking for a pet seem to look for breeders, of which you do need to do your homework, and they forget to check out all those homeless pups that need them. This would be such a great choice for both you and that loving puppy or dog, especially if you are looking for a good playmate for your children, if you are on a limited budget (though the cost includes an up to date of vaccines and spaying or neutering), and want to add a great amount of joy to your life and a great playmate for the children.
Just like with any other purchase, you may have to shop around for a while, checking and calling different shelters and kennels, to find that perfect dog to fit in your family, whether it would be a large breed, small breed, male, female, whatever particulars you are looking for may take some time and hunting to find. I know if it were me I would want to give all those pups a good home, unrealistic as it is. Those poor pets would not be there, homeless, in cages, if there were not faced with unfortunate situations in their lives. My heart really goes out to all of those poor animals, with no one to love them. They depend on us to care for them and love them, reciprocating with huge amounts of unconditional love in return. Be patient as you will succeed just when you least expect it finding the perfect pet that will be the perfect fit for your family.
