"I went to the Boulder Humane Society today, in search of a dog. I found out that the cats were free. Dogs still cost money. They had a one year old Dalamtion mix that caught my eye. Apparently, it was on somebody's list, too. I was too late. I wandered around and saw some nice dogs that "would love to come home" with me, but I am very hesitant to make that decision. Once I make it, I won't look back, so it has to be a good decision. They had some Siberian husky mix pups, as well. When I saw $300, I had to say goodbye. I know. How can you put a price on love? Well, right now, that is high priced love for me. I'll have to keep looking."
I think they said the Longmont Humane Society was having an event this Saturday (tomorrow) that would have discounted or maybe even waived adoption fees, just to try to clear the kennel out a bit.
Just checked, it's 10am to 6pm tomorrow. There really are some GREAT dogs there right now. There was a little grey female pitbull that was nuzzling me to death, it's a good thing we were already on deck for fostering a doog, because I'd have taken that sweet girl home with me. There was a male pit named Hydro that LOVED the pool, it was a very fitting name, also very friendly with a complete stranger and good with the dogs in there. There was also a black houng dog in there that was very sweet, I don't recall his name.
They do have some dogs that are not good with dogs/cats/children, but they know who they are, and they are very upfront with that info. There are some there that have been there since we got Bruce over a year ago, likely for that reason. I wouldn't mind having one of them if I had no other dogs. But.... they have a ton of dogs that are just fine with anyone, and I have been up close with a lot of them with my insecure dog, and many other dogs at the same time.
I would honestly recommend that event tomorrow, especially if upfront cost is an issue.
My only caution is... animals can be MUCH more expensive than that if something goes wrong. Bruce had some allergies that we found out about shortly after we got him, to the tune of $400. It's not about putting a price on love, it's about knowing you're prepared for the worst case, at least that's how my particular brand of paranoia works.
Regardless, I hope you get what you want out of whatever situation you get into. Have a good day Bill, I hope to wheel with you sometime.