puppy wanted

I will recommend the Shelters. The one on STT takes requests, sort of like a wish list. Look up dogs that shed the least, like poodles, schnauzers, etc. & put in a request. You might check with vets also.

Definitely try the shelters. The stray dog problem here is unbelievable. Be a part of the cure and get a dog from the shelters.

thank you for the advice trade, i didn't know they took requests. but i wonder how long it would take to find a baby poodle. =(
linda j, it's not like i haven't been there before. but i need to know exactly what i'm getting when i adopt. i can't take the chance of adopting a puppy i think MIGHT not shed and then having to find another home for it when i realize i can't keep it.

we have a bichon frise - a non shedding hypoallergenic cutie. I did pay a great deal of money for her (nearly a 1000 bucks) and it seemed to be the "non-allergy" thing that has pushed their price up in recent years.
Have you considered contacting the "non-shedding" breed associations for a list of breed specific rescue organizations that might need a good home for a dog.

My landlady on STT was going to have puppies from her non-allergenic bichon frise. If interested I can contact her and ask where they are in the process. Sent me a PM if interested and I'll take the next step.

There is also a online resource called petfinder.com. The work with shelters but they also work with breed specific rescue groups. So if you really have to have a specific breed you can still rescue one. 🙂

Having worked in rescue many, many years, you may find it difficult in the islands - I don't know of any breed-specific groups there, and most reputable rescues want a home visit by one of their unpaid volunteers just to discuss the adoption with you. Please consider an older dog as well - they are sometimes housebroken, have gotten over eating everything in sight, and are much more well behaved - and much less likely to be adopted, and we all know what the alternative is there. However, if you are coming stateside, a rescue may accept a home visit by a shelter worker or vet tech and let you take a dog home. The rescues I've worked with wanted the dog within their service area, though, so in case something went wrong they could take the dog back into rescue. I think you would be really surprised at what an older dog can bring to your life - I am partial to seniors and special needs dogs, though.

I agree with Becky re the older dogs. I prefer them since I work all day & it's not as easy to keep up with a puppy. And by older, I mean even a one or two year old. Do check with the Shelters & the local vets. Sometimes people have to leave island & can't take their dogs so you might find a compatible breed for yourself (and save a life at the same time.)