I love open spaces and animals.  We have had (1) American Bull Dog, a pure breed who maxed out at 145 ibs of solid muscle, he passed away several years about, he was a giant with a giant heart.  He was very social and loved people and other animals.  But I will never by a dog again except if it meant having to buy him at get him away from an aqbusive or unhealthy enviroment, which is what we did with our 2nd dog, who when I went to pick him up he was just a bag of bones, and he was a Golden Retrever.  The owner had larger dog and fed them at the same time, but the other dogs took all of his food and the jerk owner never gave him any additional food, so he was all ribs and less than 40 lbs when I got him, we spoiled him, but it took him a long while to warm to us because I know the other owner used to abuse him, he was very skidish.  We ended up getting him up to the high 70's before we lost him in an incredably horriffic way.  We live in the hills and alway have had rattle snakes on out property,  At the end of this summer we were having a summer end BBQ with our close friends and he went in a high brush area near the back end of our property and we heard that sound, then a scuffle and our boy walked out foaming at the mouth.  He got bit in the face, we go to emergency within ten minutes, bt after many vials of anti venum, we still could not save him,  If your dog gets hit in the face or neck, the poision spreads to the brain and respitory system.  I can tell you this, an animal you save and protect feels a certain love and connectedness that no prure bred dog could ever provide you.  They are so greatful to you, and show it.  It's a gift that you get 10 fold the gift you think you gave them.  We are still greiving, but we both know we will find another roomate when the time is right.