We recently adopted a second dog: Edith, a Brussels griffon.
If any of you are thinking of getting a dog, you should get one from a good breeder who breeds for love, not profit– only one or two litters per year, raising them at home not in a kennel. Henry came from a breeder like that, and I would definitely say that the extra effort is worth it.
Another really great option is a shelter dog. Edith was seized from a bad breeder, and may have been abused. She was definitely neglected. I doubt she ever lived inside a house. She is quite shy still, but is very affectionate. It’s amazing how an animal with her background can still be so loving.
A lot of people are looking for small dogs, but the Edmonton Human Society has mostly large ones. Please consider any one of Alberta’s other shelters. We got Edith from Central Animal Services in Lacombe, which is privately run. But they have many smaller dogs who need homes. I saw there several terrier-type puppies, a couple of chihuahua crosses, and a very lovely pekinese cross who wagged her tail so hard it was tough not to bring her home too.
Lacombe is not so far away. Here is the link:
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/AB34.html