I love animals- and over the years have had and loved my share of expensive purebred beauties, both dogs and cats.
Four years ago I adopted 2 cats from the local shelter, and in the process I visited many times and saw so many sad homeless unwanted animals there- it just broke my heart. I also saw all the volunteers there working on a bare shoestring budget.
That was when I decided that from then on I would adopt shelter animals whenever I was ready for another "child".
Since then, I give a small donation to 2 different animal shelters here every year. Our stringband also volunteers our music services for the fund raising event of the Humane Society as well, which is a huge success.
I DO empathize with your wanting a new and very special dog in your life. But all those hundreds of dollars spent just to GET the puppy to you?- please do consider how many homeless and sick abandoned animals could be saved or helped with that kind of money. Or perhaps there is room in your heart and home for a "rescue shepherd" waiting near you somewhere and hoping beyond hope for a home it may never have?
I don't mean to be judgemental- just wanted to raise another viewpoint to consider as well...