[CFrance]

I agree with everything that's been said so far. I might add, the reason why I have two rescues now is because I want to have dogs in order to spend time with dogs. So that's part of my raison d'être.

That said, if you are very active and would like to give a rescue dog a chance at a better life, you can do this. Most dogs from shelters are crate trained, as they live in kennels. Our two came from the Sumter County Humane Society, where I volunteer. Since I walk the dogs, I can tell by looking at their kennel in the morning which ones are housebroken. I know which ones are skittish, which ones are calm, and which ones need a lot of exercise. You can ask all these questions of the shelter staff; I know the staff at Sumter County Humane Society, and they will tell you the truth.

Since I'm past retirement age, I chose dogs I think (hope) I will outlive, which is another reason not to go with a puppy. You have to have a backup plan for the dog if something happens to you. One of ours was brought to the shelter after the owners died and the adult children did not want him.

There is a meme out there that says something to the effect that a rescue dog would rather be lying on your floor waiting for you to come home than sitting in a kennel not knowing what's next.

Good luck in your decision.