A warm hello from California. I am British but have lived in California for quite a long while. In summer 2016 we got a cockapoo from a local dog refuge. He has settled in very well and is an established member of our family now!
Hello CacciatJocund, welcome to the forum!
Since you have the warm hello from California, I will give you back a chilly hello from northern Michigan. Haha!
Personally, I do not have much experience with dogs since I have never had one. I'd like to hear more from your experience. Perhaps share a photo or two with us. ;P
It is so nice of you to get a dog from the local refuge. We need more people doing it instead of supporting the puppy mills.