I have adopted 5 dogs, bought one from a breeder and one *accident* lol from a home owner whose dog got loose.

Not to mention the dozens of dogs I had growing up. Let me just say, all of them were great friends, so don't let the papers or lack there of make the decision for you.

All my current Planned Pethood pets are pure bred dogs, just so you know. You can pick a particular breed, and still get a rescue.

Also, three of them were older when we got them, so we did not have to go through all the awful puppy stuff.

The cool thing about little dogs is that they always seem like puppies anyway, and you can get one who's 2 yrs or older, not peeiong on the carpet, but still cute and fluffy like a puppy.

They know how to behave, but they are always small and easy to pick up and hug.

They have all the personality of a huge dog, just in a tiny package.

I was looking to get a giant dog when I got little Ozzy. I wanted a Newfie or something similar, but dh was not into that. So we got a pomeranian. He was a couple ounces, 9 weeks old.

Then we got Rudy, a papillon, 8lbs, who was about 2.

Last year we adopted 2 female poms who just turned 9. All are healthy and playful, they all get along w/each other, and are fine with the 3yr old granddaughter and other kids who come over.

Most rescues are really good about telling you if the dogs have issues with health or behavior around kids or other pets.

Personally, I would not let ms stop me from adopting. I think having a dog around is the best thing for you, to keep you moving, feeling upbeat and healthier.

What dog you pick depends on your situation. Little ones worked out for us, and I prefer to adopt. It's those dang Sarah McLachlin commercials, lol.

Good luck with your decision!