I'm a huge proponent of rescue. I work with the Minnesota/Wisconsin Basset Hound Rescue. I've been a foster home for more than six years and have had about 15 dogs come through my doors. I don't want to do a diatribe, but I did want to point out what I think is the best part of going through a rescue: The dogs are usually kept in foster homes, meaning you get a complete, thorough breakdown on what kind of dog it is. They can tell you how they interact with children, other dogs and cats. They tell you whether the dog is house trained or crate trained. Rescues don't want to get the dog back. Their goal is find a permanent, happy home for the dog, so the foster homes aren't going to lie to you or gloss over the rough bits of a dog's background. Becoming a foster home can also be a good way to introduce yourself to a breed and to find out whether or not they'll work in your home. Each breed has their own positives and negatives and you need to know both before you figure out if a dog will work with your family. I love fostering. Its not near as difficult and I'd have thought to see the dogs come and go because you know they're going to happy, loving families. I had one dog I really, really wanted to keep, but he went to a home where the lady went on a 3-5 mile hike in her own woods every day. It was a basset hound dream come true. I couldn't keep this guy from such a great life. Anyway, that's just my 2 cents. But if you're interested in rescue and have questions, feel free to ask.