I've been a vegetarian for almost 20 years... my opinion is this, all the animals I have ever welcomed into my home have been strays or shelter animals...all of which have reached adult age when i adopted them. They make great pets and why not, they're just going to be put to sleep if not adopted. However, I don't judge people who buy purebreads. One because it's none of my business what other people do. Many people have reasons for buying purebreads such as 1) you know the animal has been taken care of since birth; you can buy for specific traits such as 1) good temperment 1) good genes aka not prone to diseases (again, from a genuine breeder and not puppy mill). Where if you adopt a stray animal you don't know their past and if they have been abused etc. Also, some people like to buy pets when they're puppies so they can adjust them to their family. Typically, not all the time, but TYPICALLY the people who pay for breeds etc are the ones who take care of their animals and get them neutered etc. Yes, it's nice if they take a risk on an animal at the shelter but by no means do i frown upon these people who BUY animals. So although adopting stray animals and pets from around your neighborhood or at the local shelter work for you, maybe now you can see why some people chose to purchase their pets (they have a better idea of what they're getting). Again, I have only ever had strays like you, but I'm much more open as to why people would chose to purchase pets.