I live in Boulder, CO, another one of America's liberal hotspots. I've had many dogs in my life but this last time around, I paid well for a purebred Silken Windhound, a rare breed. I got some of the same comments from friends about shelter adoption, something I also support.

However, I felt good that my money went to a responsible breeder who I had researched. She was more passionate about animal rights than I have time for. Dogs are her world and she was someone I was glad to support in exchange for a loved family member.