Thanks for the replies, I appreciate the information.
In answer to your suggestion I have the "Read this First" post as part of my lurking.
Regarding rescue, I have checked local rescue websites from time to time over the last while, and in my experience not found many dogs up for adoption during that time. However, as I indicated I haven't ruled out this option and will keep looking into this as a possibility, as you suggest. Glad you have had good experiences with this (cute picture). (Interesting info, I recall the James Herriot books)
Nonetheless, I'm very interested in loo