Bud and Zinnia started with radically different lives. Zinnia is the dog of privilege, raised by a wealthy, experienced, loving breeder. To my knowledge, she has never had a bad minute in her two-year-old life.

The two dogs are fascinating to me; they are both symbols of the two ways I get dogs – from a good breeder, or a good rescue group.

Bud’s life was a nightmare for the first two days. He was left outdoors without shelter or food, got heartworm, was emaciated and dehydrated, and had a weak heart. His pen mates in Southern Arkansas all died of exposure; Bud survived on feces and carcasses.

Dog Rescuer Carol Johnson fostered Bud, and when he came to her, he wouldn’t or couldn’t stand up at all and had to be carried upstairs. He shook almost uncontrollably at the sight of any man. He was an awful mess.

I get my dogs in two ways: from an experienced, responsible rescue group (they are not all responsible) or an experienced, responsible breeder (the best ones keep the best traits in dogs alive.)

The good rescue groups know their dogs and work hard to pair up the right dog with the right person. So does the responsible breeder, who helps safeguard the temperaments and health of dogs heading for a life with people.

Rule One for me. Ignore anyone who tries to tell me there is only one proper way to get a dog. They are not my friend or the friend of dogs; they are friends only of themselves.

My experience suggests that the best way to get a dog is to choose one – shelter, breeder, rescue – that is carefully considered and is the dog you want to have and live with and train and love.

The best way to get a dog is to do the work and research and think about it and get a dog you will keep, not return to a shelter in a month because it acts like a dog and not like a member of the British Royal Family.

Although they came from different worlds, Bud and Zinnia became instant friends. Bud grew and got healthy and felt safe and flowered here. Zinnia came as well-bred dogs come – grounded, attentive, trainable, loving.

Bud had a great big heart for all that he had been through, and so does Zinnia. They trusted one another, snuggled up with each other, came to love one another.

Bud had every reason to hate people. Zinnia had no reason to hate people. Now, each of them lives a life of love, safety, and peace.

Bud is a character; like all Boston Terrier’s he thinks he’s a dinosaur in charge of the house.

Zinnia is a lab and a wonderful therapy dog. She is the dog I wanted now.  Bud is a surprise, but we love him dearly and spoil him rotten.

The two of them are perhaps the sweetest dogs I can remember having. They came from such different places but ended up in the same place. Bud is a family dog; he loves to curl up in somebody’s lap and get his head scratched.

Zinnia is too big to cuddle, but she is my shadow; wherever I am, she is or goes. I appreciate the love; I can use the company; she is a grounding force in my life.

Bud is usually in my lap or Maria’s at night, getting his head scratched and snoring peacefully. He has come home.

These two wonderful dogs remind me that there are different ways to get a dog; the best way is to get the one you dream of and want and will love.