Fantastic post which reveals a true love of animals. This issue so quickly devolves into a spitting match by two different groups of people who tend to love animals and want the best for them. The tragedy of pet overpopulation is huge, and I love that rescues and shelters do such noble work trying to make the best of this consequence of neglect by so many people. However, pure bred dogs are the result of decades of selective breeding to produce unique animals that have looks and personalities and skills that people do and should love. While we would never want to support puppy mills and irresponsible breeding with the sole intent of profit, I have interacted with many many conscientious breeders who seek relationships with new families and improvement of the breed they are passionate about. There should be no enmity between those who seek perpetuating and improving the human animal bond... all should strive to do their part as well as you discuss and there we be much more happiness, and much less suffering in our pet animal populations.