Reply #111: I made a big mistake I want to clear up

[cuke]

My OP gives the impression that the only "good" way to get a dog is to go to a rescue that has a strong contract. What really happened was that I was trying to point out that a contract is a good thing because it strongly indicates a concern for the animal. That led me into thinking about how pet store and backyard breeders are also not good places to get a dog, for the same reasons. The result was that I mentioned a bunch of bad places and only one good, leaving the impression that was the only way to get a dog, and I regret that

I've had dogs for most of my life, and most of those dogs came either off the streets or from the ASPCA (w/ no contract). It's a fine way to get a dog and I hope no one is discouraged from going to their local animal shelter for a dog.