• DO NOT BUY PETS FROM PET STORES!! These dogs and cats are bred under inhumane situations and will definitely have emotional and physical problems!! Due to mistreatment, they might NOT have the characteristics of their advertised breed. These dogs are breed at puppy mills.

• If you are not set on a specific breed, go to a local animal shelter or rescue organization. Austin area animal shelters are listed below.

• If you like a specific breed, adopt from a breed rescue organizations. Most breeds are represented on the web. If you can not find a local contact, email the closest contact you can find. They will be happy to help you!! These are great people who are straight forward about the dogs and can connect you with the right dog. Not all rescue dogs have been abused or negected. They will require letters of recommendation.

• If you want to start showing, start by going to shows as a spectator. Beyond that I can't help you. I just love them, I don't show them.

• If you are considering buying a dog from a breeder, first consider adopting a rescue dog!

• If you really want a dog from a breeder, all the breed organizations have suggestions about how to find a good breeder. Yahoo's dog breed index is a good place to start looking. Just for the record, I think you should adopt a rescue!

Austin Animal Shelters and Organizations:

• Please get your pet spayed or neutered
• Brenda's plea to save the animals
• Beware of pet stores
• Beware of puppy mills
• The Hayosh "Kids" Page