We have a rescue dog that LD pointed us in the right direction for. Our little Border Collie is a pure delight. When we got her she was a very scared little lass but now she is so confident and loving. I personally would not go to a breeder for a family dog or cat since I looked into the rescue situation. We have done so in the past as we have a 10 year old Chocolate Lab and at the time we didn't think past the fact we wanted a puppy. We used all the reasons that has been said on here - you know what your getting, you can see the temperament of the parents, they are great with kids and on and on. We really didn't know any different, we also didn't know the "rescue problem".
Whenever I hear about a rescue pet I just think that 99% of them were probably once that "must have, much loved, perfect puppy".
I really do wish you every happiness with the new member of your family and that if in the future you decide to add to them you head down to the rescue centre or ask LD as she will move heaven and earth to help you find a dog to suit your wish list xx