Thanks Jeannine. Perhaps at some time in the future I may be more open to a shelter dog. Having had three kids who are now grown, and now a little grandaughter, I did not want a dog with some of the issues that some dogs/puppies have from neglect, abuse, abandonment etc. My daughter fostered dog/puppies during her college years until they were adopted. Some were ok, some were not. Another thing that went into play, was that our family lost all three of our dear pets in a matter of four months........two 9 year old sister cats to kidney disease, and a yellow lab, almost 15 years old. Our one cat went quickly, the other cat needed lots of help and tender loving care until she had to be put down. Our dear old lab, also needed lots of patience and tender care toward the end. It was a really hard time to lose all three pets, all needing to be put to sleep, and becoming very sick, all needing lots of our time, love and attention in the end. We decided on only one pet at a time from here on in, we both wanted a dog, we didn't want to get a dog without any health history after going through what we did, and I missed the fluffy fur of my cats.......thus wanted a furry dog this time. My husband also wanted a different color, a total change. We had three purebred yellow labs over the years, and the last one was the best!! (as they all are) We also decided for less shedding. So after lots of checking, talking to people, we made a choice, obviously not the choice most people on this site think was wise, but choose we did. And....we just love our big pup. He is everything we wanted and more. So we are really happy, and he is worth it to us. And yes, I am thankful so far he is healthy, and has a wonderful temperament, and easy to train. We are very blessed and fortunate. My husband is happy to not have all the shedding hair this time, has a big dog (he doesn't like pedigree standard poodles....... but I do...so we compromised) that is full of personality, and I love his fluffy coat which I mentioned before that I missed from not having cats anymore, and we just love him to pieces. So, that's my/our story We wouldn't trade him for anything. I pray he stays healthy, and lives a good old life, and after we have no little grandchildren, and don't have to worry so much about little ones being around, I may just go smaller as we get older, and try adoption from a shelter, but not now. When I can figure out how to make the picture file smaller and upload photos, maybe you'll get to meet Herbie. Thanks for reaching out. Dog lovers are one of a kind passionate people. It was a bit overwhelming to have everyone just blasting away when I first posted. Thanks