The Best Dogs Money Can't Buy

I grew up believing that if you wanted a good dog you had to buy one. I couldn't have been more wrong. My first rescue dog was a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Junior. He had been purchased by a family who kept him confined in a crate for the first two years of his life. When we got him, he was shy and frightened and covered with sores and growths. After just a few days of love, he became a tender, sensitive, intelligent family member. Unfortunately, Junior's immune system never fully recovered from the abuse he suffered, and he passed away from a viral infection at the young age of four. My wife, Kelly, was hit especially hard by Junior's passing. He was her first dog, and they bonded very hard. We considered buying another Ridgeback after Junior's passing but, as a young couple, we could not afford the $600 cost of a good "pet-quality" puppy. So, we went down to our local animal shelter. There were many wonderful dogs of all ages there, but we fell in love with Little Doc. He was a seven-month-old Beagle mix. He was sweet and affectionate from the first, and we couldn't figure out why anyone would give him up to a shelter... until we brought him home. The first few months, he managed to shred any magazine or newspaper within reach, chew every single pair of my Kelly's shoes, and destroy our new rug. It was exasperating at times, but we managed to survive Little Doc's adolescence. In time, he became my best friend and the dog I've always wanted. He's smart as a whip, stubborn, independent and affectionate beyond belief. He's equally happy snuggling on the couch, dragging us down the block on a leash or begging for snacks at the dinner table. He's naughty to the core, but I wouldn't have him any other way (Kelly has somewhat different feelings). We got Heidi to keep Little Doc company. I saw her at a shelter around the corner from my office and was immediately struck by how beautiful she was. A long-haired German Shepherd, she was bought by a family and kept tied to a tree in the backyard with just enough food and water to keep her alive. Finally, she was given up to the shelter when the neighbors complained. When we got her, she was a year old and weighed 45 pounds. Within two months, she was up to her present weight of 75 pounds. Heidi is lively and playful, but obedient to a fault. Housebreaking was a problem for a few weeks, and she did chew up a mattress and bedspring, but all her behavior problems cleared up within a few months. All it took is a little patient reinforcement. Today, she's a loving member of the family who participates in all our activities. She's goofy, silly, obedient and kind. We couldn't ask for a better dog. I'm very fond of just about every breed of dog. I enjoy reading about breed histories, behavior, temperament, health concerns, etc. But I will never buy another puppy. I just can't do it in good faith, knowing that there are so many dogs out there mixed and pure-bred, both puppies and old timers, who need and deserve a loving home. If you liked this page, or would just like to talk about dogs, feel free to drop me an email. --John Valceanu

My Favorite Links

Beagle Rescue
Doberman Rescue
Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue
German Shepherd Rescue
Breed Rescue List
SOS Beagle Rescue
Mixed and Purebred Rescue
Mixed-Breed Rescue