I'd like if someone could write up why rescuing dogs is better than buying dogs.  I don't know that I know enough about it to really understand either side.  Thanks in advance!

When you rescue a dog you give a dog who needs a home, a loving, kind home to spend the rest of his/her life in.  But when you buy a dog from a breeder or pet store, you are promoting the breeding of more dogs.  SOO many dogs (and cats, as well as other animals) are euthanized (killed) each day because they don't have a home and the shelters are too full.  That's why it's important to adopt one of those dogs, from a shelter, which not only takes that dog out of the shelter, but opens the shelter spot for another dog who might need it.  And you're giving homes to animals already here in existence, instead of promoting the creation/breeding of MORE dogs. 
*You still have to pay when you adopt a dog from a rescue organization, which covers their costs and the shelter. 

I am an online volunteer for a wonderful non-profit - National Mill Dog Rescue located in Colorado.  Please take a moment to visit their website "milldogrescue.org".  NMDR has been operating for 3 years and saved over 3,200 dogs from "horrible puppy mills."  NMDR provides a wonderful clean shelter, spay and neuter, a makeover at their "Fresh Start Salon", much needed medical and dental care.  Most of all, they shower these dogs with love and give them their precious freedom.  The selfless volunteers drive in their own vehicles to other states to rescue these dogs.  Three teams of volunteers just brought back 100 dogs from Missouri and Tennessee.  NMDR's expenses are many.  I would like to ask that you visit their "Donation" page, on their website, and offer your assistance to these precious dogs and a committed and compassionate rescue organization.  After rescue, the dogs are socialized with other dogs and people.  After they receive the necessary care and training these precious dogs are then ready for adoption.  People who have adopted these great dogs will frequently send pictures of their new family member living the wonderful life they so richly deserve. What I love are the NMDR makeover "before and after" pictures.  I like to tell people that when the newly rescued dogs hear the sound of donation "ka-chings" that they break out in a smile and do a Happy Dance!  I thank you so much for listening.  I would kindly like to ask that you pass along this information to friends and family.  The more exposure National Mill Dog Rescue receives the better chance they will receive the donations necessary to continue their wonderful rescue mission!  Please spread the word to adopt from shelters or rescue organizations and NOT pet stores.  If pet stores would stop selling puppies, these "horrendous puppy mills" might cease to exist.  Thank you.

My kitties add the same love and joy to my life! I just rescued an 8 month old kitten last weekend & we are very happy to add her to our mix. One of the most amazing kats in my life (boy boy) was rescued a few years back from a local pound. He was on the bottom "shelf" sitting in the corner of his cage. The lady told me he was due to die that day and I said "We'll take him!" I shudder to think of the loss of his special little life. I could never repay him all the love and joy he has brought to us. I just hope he knows how much we love him.

I am SO excited to adopt my next dogs.  It's incredibly difficult to wait, but hopefully I'm doing the right thing.  I had 2 dogs (adopted from a shelter) for 8 years.  One passed away this past August, so I have one left.  He is around 10-12 years old (he was an adult when I adopted him, and they weren't sure his exact age).  I'm not sure how much time he has left, and he has had some issues with other dogs in the past (never his "brother" though).  So I feel it might be unfair to him to bring another dog into the home, which may add stress to his remaining years.  I did adopt 2 kittens however (from a woman who found a stray with kittens and was giving them away), which provide some companionship for my dog at home.  I don't want to deprive my dog of another dog's companionship, but I also don't want to add stress to his life and make him feel that I've given up on him and am bringing in "new" dogs. 
On another note, I plan to start volunteering at my local shelter (humane society) this summer.  I've LOVE to own and run my own dog (and cat) shelter someday.  That's been a long-time dream, just not sure how to get it going.  So I figured a good start is to volunteer at a shelter and see how things are done from the inside. 
~Sarah

I wanted to add..... has anyone seen "It's Me or the Dog?"  I used to be a HUGE fan of "The Dog Whisperer" and Cesar (and still am in some areas... he certainly has the best interest of the dogs at heart).  But Victoria Stillwell (the dog trainer on "It's Me or the Dog" has a different training approach that I LOVE!!!  I am now a convert.  I suggest watching that show to those of you with dogs.  I forget which network it's on. 

I applauded anyone who rescues animals. All of my animal are rescues but I STRONGLY disagree about Cesar Millian. If you want to see what training is all about watch Victoria Stillwell on It's Me or the Dog. She still promotes leadership but in a postive way without shutting down dogs. I want my dog to be happy and obedient not shutdown, thrown on his back or poked repeatedly.

My pup Scooter (in my profile picture) was a rescue. My partner took her out of a chicken coop when she was a puppy. The owner didn't like her because she chased birds. Now she is about 4 years old (we think) and she is healthy and, after a good year of gentle socializing, she is very happy. She has so much love to give, she just can't wag her little tail quick enough! All of my dogs when I was growing up (3 boxers) were rescues as well, and I will always take rescues. It's a love like no other.