Thanks, Jim.....
I'm undecided on the breeder vs rescue thing. There is a breeder here in NC. Pups come pedigree'd and registered. I would love a puppy, but a fully papered pup will run about the $1200-$2000 range.
There is also a rescue group here on the east coast. Rescuing one would be cool, and a lot cheaper, but you have to go through a LOT of red tape, and those dogs have usually been abused or neglected, so they have to be rehabilitated......