It's not for everyone but I adopted my Bullie. Not rescue... adoption. I went to her house, checked out her parents and her living conditions - which was excellent. Asked lots of questions. Her momma handed me a thick folder of everything she's ever had of the dog - every single vet visit receipt, all her shots info, registration papers, etc. She also gave me her giant box of toys, a bag of wardrobe (includes several collars and jewelry), a giant bag of dog food, her kennel and blankets, and she even gave me a small vial with her first tooth.
My husband wanted a puppy, but we wanted to go for rescue - just trying to be a good samaritan or something. The rescue we looked into wanted us to have a fence and no children under 10 years old, so it didn't work out. We were worried about adopting an adult because bullies typically don't live too long. But, we saw this bullie (turns 3 years old next month) and fell in love. We have zero regrets. None. She's awesome.
Just my humble opinion - I always say, if money is tight, don't get a pet - any pet. They're like kids - you don't realize how expensive it is to have kids until you're pinching pennies to pay for new sneakers... again... because they grew out of the new sneakers they had 3 months ago. There will always come a time when you are hit with a major unexpected pet expense. My friend spent $2K a few years ago when her dog's face swelled up after getting bit by a water mocassin. You kinda have to have emergency funds to weather it. Chances are, if you have the $2K to spend on a puppy, you are well enough off to afford the vet bills that EBs are known for. Or, if you have the $2K to spend on a puppy, you can get a rescue and use the $2K to boost up the pet's health-savings-fund. Just my 2 cents.
Wish me luck and i'll report back whatever happens!
