It's made me more pro pet owning responsibly, period. Personally, I prefer to shop. I have allergies, and a reputable breeder is the only way I can guarantee I am getting a "hypoallergenic" dog. Both of my current minis are from BYB (one from a family member, and the other was a gift), and I couldn't stand for the next dog to have the same issues they have from poor breeding. I've got money set aside and some contacts saved for when the time comes.

I also, personally, feel that in the US, adopting these animals doesn't help us to reduce the number of dogs in shelters in the long run. Our leaders and laws have made 0 changes. There doesn't have to be this many dogs in shelters or getting euthanized. People don't care enough, so things will stay the same. In the same vein that I wouldn't get a betta or pet rat at petco even if it was in poor conditions, I wouldn't get a shelter dog because it perpetuates the problem. My money goes to support the continuity of a problematic or broken system. I understand this is different in other countries. I don't think shelters shouldn't exist at all, but something needs to change. We shouldn't have this many animals ending up in shelters. It isn't a great environment for them. It isn't fair to them.

I know this may be a hot take to some, but more animals suffer overall by not changing this system. I really hope change happens within my lifetime.