Longdogs,

Fair enough. I would always, and have on this thread, advocate recsue dogs first. Personally, it would be rescue or nothing. However, I'm simply pointing out that everybody has different criteria and as long as there is sound reasoning, judgement, research and consideration, I can understand why some people may opt for the alternative. Al and Nikalas have presented what I consider to be well thought out scenarios based on experience and reason. Just because I might not do the same as them does not mean that I do not respect their views. And Noel presents an equally considered hypothetical situation.

Although I don't work on the 'front line'. I can imagine how harrowing it must be. Personal circumstances dictate that we can only really manage one dog at a time but if our situation was different I dare say we'd have a house full of rescue hounds. Even so, we've been on the verge of taking on a 'rescue' Collie twice (the same one) but had to accept that we realistically cannot.