Hello Esther --

I would try to find out what the shepherd is mixed with. That will make a difference. I also would find out all I can about each dog's past history. For example, a friend has a cute small Jack Russell terrier. But now that the children are grown and she is home alone all day, she makes some mischief from time to time. She needs a family, and my friend would like to find one for her. Some people would just put the dog in the shelter. Such a dog would not be ideal for a single gal, even though she is very sweet.

Shepherd's are a "working" breed. It has a good chance of being very trainable and knowing some things about how to get along with people by instinct.

Whatever dog you get, I would be sure to go to dog training with it. Dogs love the attention they get in training, and it really builds a strong bond between the owner and pet. Training is not so much discipline anymore as motivating with love, praise and lots of treats. Petsmart has affordable classes, and there are dog obedience training clubs in some places.

Spend some time with the dog if the shelter will let you, before you take it home; time with each dog if you have to -- if you can bear to do so without taking all 3 home! And in the end, go with your heart.