We went Saturday as we are looking for a new family member too, we have a 1.5yr old Daughter. Its so difficult as a puppy requires more work that a rescue however most rescues can not be placed with young children as their background is unknown. Such a shame as I would prefer to rescue but there is a greater risk due to the unknown! For Battersea once you register you need to call up to see if there are matches for you as puppies, and dogs from known child houses are rare and get snapped up usually before they get onto the website. Most breeds also have a specific rescue, whilst looking for a dog I've found over 50+ rescues in or around London, but only 3 dogs that would be suitable with our Daughter. It was great to see all the breeds, Ive got about 10 that would be suitable for family life (kids, walks off lead when they are older, socialisation skills with other dogs, lack of aggression, and medium exercise requirements.