People sometimes tell me it is wrong to buy a dog from a breeder when there are so many in need of rescue, and while I understand the impulse I do not share it. I have two rescue dogs and two from breeders and both have been wonderful experiences for me. I believe people should get the right dog for them,  and in the right way, wherever it comes from. And to me, it is inappropriate to tell anybody else how to get a dog. It’s an individual decision.

Dogs like Lenore or Rose have wonderful traits that good breeders helped instill and preserve by difficult and expensive work and experience over years. Gretchen Pinkel is such a breeder, and it is a pleasure to see her line evolve into beautiful, healthy dogs with amazing temperament.

To know her is to see firsthand how hard that is to do, and I am so grateful to her for matching me up with Lenore, who has brightened my life and so many others, adults and children. Thanks Gretchen.