Maybe this just sounds wrong, @
Adelaide, and if so, well, there it is, because this is how I feel. When I first decided to adopt a kitty in 1989, I didn't WANT a rescue. You don't know their medical history, you don't know their bloodlines, you don't know their temperament. I had never been responsible for an animal all on my own, and wanted a furbaby that I could spend a good chunk of my life being happy with, not trying to train out bad habits. I went to a cat show, and fell in love with the Birman kittens. I knew that's what I wanted for my companion. I got my Livvie....she just missed being show quality because one of her white mittens was only a partial and didn't fully cover her toes. I had never met a sweeter, more loving little cat than my Livvie....I NEVER regretted my decision, not for the 18 years that she was with me. When I adopted Jake almost 5 years ago, I knew I wanted a Shih Tzu.....so I interviewed several families that had puppies, saw how the puppies were raised, got to meet the puppies' parents, etc. Again, I couldn't love Jake any more if he was a human, he's so wonderful. Maybe, now that I'm a "seasoned" furbaby Mom, my next adopted companion will be a rescue....maybe not. But it's MY decision. Don't let anyone EVER give you any crap over how and what YOU choose as a companion in your life. That woman (she was certainly no lady!) was rude, every bit as rude as if she had denigrated you for having a human baby naturally instead of adopting, since so many children need parents.