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Like luciferase said, there are a lot of rescue groups out there, and some even cater to specific breeds, like rescued retired racing greyhounds.
The humane society in our community charges a variable adoption fee--$80-90 for cats, $125-$175 for dogs. This comes with the following:
* Free veterinary exam
* First vaccinations
* Leash and collar
* ID tag
* Microchip
* Deworming
* Cat carrier
* 30 days complimentary shelter care insurance
* Pet training information
To me, that's quite a deal, plus you get to give a loving home to an animal that really needs one. I'd look for a reputable shelter that offers a similar package. You should also go in with your homework done--what kind of breed are you looking for? Purebreds do show up in shelters, or you might find a mix with breeds whose personality traits you really like.
Our family dog, a lab-greyhound mix, is from a shelter. He was found romping along by himself at six weeks old. He'd only been in the shelter a couple of days. He was just the cutest thing, with these paws that seemed so much bigger than he was, and these silky floppy ears. He was very much a puppy--excitable, but eager to please. Adopting Jack is one of the best decisions my family ever made. He's 10 years old now and getting a bit crochety in some respects, but when you play fetch with him, you can still see the puppy he was.
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If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau
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